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Lawrence’s adventure in the doctor’s office. 

Frontispiece 


AT THE SIGN OF THE 
WHITE SWAN 


A Tale of Old Pennsylvania 



OLIVIA L. WILSON 

1 1 


ILLUSTRATED 


V JUNSr JS&2 

BOSTON 

ESTES AND LAURIAT X 


IL 


2 ^ 


PUBLISHERS 


Copyright, 1892, 

By ESTES AND LAURIAT, 


Typography by J. S. Cushing & Co., Boston. 


Presswork by Berwick & Smith, Boston. 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Lawrence’s Adventure in the Doctor’s Office 

Frontispiece 

The Altercation in the Blacksmith’s Shop . . 43 

“ The Doctor spoke sternla" as he stepped 

TOWARD THE BOY ” 69 

“ Lawrence slowly opened his eyes and looked 

AT HER ” 85 * 

“ A SLIGHT, PRETTY FIGURE SPRANG TO THE GROUND ” 149 

“ The SHERIFF LAID A HAND ON LaWRENCE’S SHOUL- 
DER ” 167 * 

“‘My son, what does it all mean?”’ .... 183 

The Capture of Dr. Graddee and Purnell . . 225'' 




AT THE SIGN OF THE 
WHITE SWAN. 


A TALE OF OLD PENNSYLVANIA. 


CHAPTER I. 

It was the last day of October, 1840, and 
the grand outline of Laurel Ridge was bathed 
in the purple haze of a sunny afternoon, 
when Lawrence Carothers, mounted upon his 
good steed Denmark, began climbing the last 
hill before entering the small town of Benton, 
Pennsylvania. A brief sketch of Denmark 
and his young master, and we cast aside all 
descriptions of personal appearance, to follow 
the rapid fortunes of these trusty compan- 
ions, in the days that followed this appar- 
ently commonplace gallop across the smiling 
lands of Fayette County. 


9 


10 


AT THE SIGN OF 


Denmark” is a tall black horse, slender 
limbed, with arched neck, and short sensitive 
ears, that quiver as he lifts them nervously. 
He has but one white spot upon him, and 
that is where Lawrence’s pretty cousin, Alice 
Tremont, says the fairies kissed him, and 
endowed him with speech and human intelli- 
gence. The white star gleams in the fore- 
head of the horse, while his glance, clear 
and mild, seems to corroborate all Alice holds 
true of his wonderful intelligence. He is 
going at as slow a gait as he ever does, 
and it is a quick step that marks him 
at once for what a horseman calls a swift 
walker.” 

His rider, purposely described last because 
he in all matters gave Denmark the first 
honour, was a sturdy lad of sixteen, not very 
large of his age, with an unusually well- 
developed chest, and arms long in proportion 
to his body ; and when one looked closely, it 
was to discern a certain curious enlargement 
of one shoulder, that scarcely amounted to a 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


11 


deformity. In truth, one seldom got beyond 
the sonsie, handsome face of the lad, to 
criticise his physique, which had at least 
served to earn him the name of being the 
most successful young mischief-vender of 
Benton. 

A crop of yellow hair, that shone like gold 
in the sunlight ; a pair of merry blue eyes ; 
a flashing smile, displaying white, firm teeth ; 
and withal a frank, wish-you-well manner, and 
the picture of Denmark’s master is complete. 

He is thinking very soberly now, and the 
mischief has died out of his eyes. Recently 
aflairs in Benton have assumed mysterious 
proportions that have puzzled the small com- 
munity not a little. Rumours are afloat that 
Dr. Graddee, who has flourished so in his 
profession and the manufacture of quack 
remedies, has not been dealing honestly with 
his neighbours’ goods, and especially with the 
property of the United States as represented 
by the mail- bags. There is a whisper that 
the driver of the coach is on too friendly 


12 


AT THE SIGN OF 


terms with the ahable doctor. In Tact, the 
townsfolk have seen and heard too much 
recently, to remain silent. Then, to bring 
matters further to a climax, young Edwin 
Leigh, the postmaster’s son, has been set 
upon by four men, as he returned home late 
one evening, and abused shamefully, although 
he fought a valiant battle and wounded one 
of the assaulting party. Lawrence was pon- 
dering over these matters, but he soon threw 
back his head, impatient at his sombre 
thoughts. No son ever kept a widowed 
mother in more anxiety than did Lawrence 
the patient woman he devotedly loved. Even 
now, as he glanced up, and saw old Jerry 
Dide, with a cart full of cabbages, plodding 
up the hill somewhat in advance of him, 
Lawrence was planning a frolic for that very 
night, since it was Hallowe’en, and by all 
usage and custom the boys’ night for legiti- 
mate revelry. 

^^Hullo, Den,” he said to his horse, with 
his familiar abbreviation of the good steed’s 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


13 


name ; there is old Jerry Dide ; perhaps he 
will let me bargain for a few heads of cabbage 
for to-night’s fun.” 

So saying, he rode forward, and slipping 
from the horse, threw his bridle rein over his 
arm, so as to walk at the side of deaf old 
Jerry, who cast a suspicious glance at him, 
and looked hurriedly over his cart, urging 
his old donkey to move a little faster. 

Good-morning, Jerry,” shouted Lawrence, 

gayly. 

H’m, I thought ’twas afternoon,” said 
the old Irishman, perversely, and hearing 
wonderfully well despite his apparent effort. 

‘^Afternoon, then. How is Jennie to- 
day ? ” 

Now this referred directly to the donkey, 
at which Lawrence looked critically. 

She’s all right,” said Jerry, somewhat 
mollified at this tribute to the one creature 
he loved, possibly because she was more stub- 
born than he was. Shure, she has been 
that swate, I thought she’d die the death. 


14 


AT THE SIGN OF 


But I think it’s age and good feed that’s a- 
mellowin’ her, sir.” 

Bless you, then she’ll never kick the 
bucket, if that is the case. But she is a little 
moth-eaten, Jerry. You don’t put her up in 
enough camphor at night.” 

Camp-fire ? shure it ain’t a war-horse 
Jennie is at all. You’re a-pokin’ your fun 
at me, whin ye know me horse is a donkey. 
Ye always were a splutterin’ spalpeen.” 

Oh, come now, Jerry, I meant no harm ; 
besides, I did not say anything about camp- 
fires. What I want to know is how many 
cabbages we may have of that load, for the 
frolic to-night.” 

^^Not one,” said old Jerry, calling a halt on 
Jennie, who laid back her ears, and examined 
Denmark with scorn, during the interview ; 

this load is for Anthony Martin, at the 
White Swan. Besides, not a bit of a cab- 
bage do you rascals beg or steal from me, 
whin you spoiled me patch widout lave last 
year.” 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


15 


Oh, now, Jerry, I paid you for every cab- 
bage we stole ; you know I did. And I’ll pay 
you now. How many can we have? say the 
word,” and Lawrence jingled bis purse per- 
suasively. Jerry looked longingly at the 
always well-filled purse of Lawrence Caro- 
tbers, but the old Adam of stubbornness, 
strong in Jennie and her master, overcame, 
and he shook his head. 

Not a cabbage, sir. I niver had the time 
to tell ye before that the sum ye paid me 
wouldn’t cover the value of them cabbages. 
Ye are a grand youngster, wid ye’re leather 
breeches, and top boots, and gay hat, but 
you’re no honester than ye’re fayther the 
Jedge, whin he give me brither — ” 

See here, now, Jerry, you will just stop 
right there ! If my father sent your brother 
to jail, he deserved it, and you won’t talk 
to his son in any but a respectful way. 
How much will you take for the cabbages?” 
As he spoke Lawrence leaned with his back 
against the cart, one arm thrown back of 


16 


AT THE SIGN OF 


him, and that arm was surely and rapidly 
revenging Jerry’s last words, while Lawrence 
presented an apparently undisturbed counte- 
nance. 

I tell ye ye shan’t have a cabbage, ye 
blackguard. Bely in’ me brither’s memory 
to me very face ! Desarve it, did he ? and 
perhaps ye desarve the handsome mark the 
devil has placed on your person, in the form 
of that fine shoulder, ye impudent spalpeen 
of the earth ! Git up, Jennie ! ” 

But at this moment, Jennie, as if sharing 
her master’s rage, braced her front legs, and 
backing a little, utterly refused to move. 
Lawrence finished the work commenced on 
the lynch-pins of the tail-board of the cart, 
as Jerry flew at his irate Jennie ; and Den- 
mark, giving a snort of disgust at this ill-bred 
display of Jennie’s on the highway, Lawrence 
leaped to his saddle. 

^^So be it, then,” he called to the Irish- 
man, who was now belabouring Jennie with 
stick and tongue. “ I wish you good luck of 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


17 


your cabbages. Leave a remnant of her, 
Jerry ; remember your horse is a donkey ! 

And he galloped on up the hill, chuckling 
with satisfaction, as he waited at the top, 
among some bushes, and mentally scoring 
one against Jerry for the last speech regard- 
ing the one hard feature of his joyous life, — 
his deformed shoulder. 

In a few moments Jerry came on up the 
hill also at a rapid rate ; for Jennie, having 
decided to go, was quite as stubborn about 
stopping, and Jerry, breathless and wrathful, 
still managed to vituperate his beast, and was 
sent headlong beyond, where Lawrence sat 
laughing upon Denmark, when Jennie as 
suddenly stopped at the top of the hill. 

Red with wrath, J erry sprang to his feet, 
when, to his dismay, he saw that the tail- 
board of the cart was gone, and his whole 
load of beautiful cabbages lay scattered on 
the hillside, lolling their well-filled heads 
along the road helplessly, as if lamenting 
their dusty fortune. 


18 


AT THE SIGN OF 


^‘Good-day, Mr. Dide/’ called Lawrence, 
bowing politely. see cabbages are low 
this year; I shall doubtless find all I want 
at the other end of town. Shall I tell An- 
thony Martin the fate of his cabbages ? ” 

And with a ringing laugh, he dashed off 
on Denmark, who gladly spurned the associa- 
tion of Jennie and her wrathful master. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


19 


CHAPTER II. 

But Lawrence was more deeply incensed 
over the old Irishman’s words regarding his 
father, and his own misfortune, than he cared 
to own, and it took a hard gallop, and many 
muttered exclamations, to banish the storm 
in his blue eyes. Denmark sped on, sympa- 
thising in every fibre of his beautiful body 
with the boy; for Lawrence felt Denmark 
shared an insult with him as no human 
friend had ever done, and the last thrust 
Jerry had given him was the intolerable 
affront no man forgives readily, — an allu- 
sion to a personal infirmity. 

Until old enough and strong enough to 
resent with violence the sneers cast at this 
slight enlargement of his shoulder, Lawrence 
had suffered torture that would have ruined 
a less sunny temper. But with his mother’s 
help, and the aid of another kind friend of 


20 


AT THE SIGN OF 


his, he had come to realise how little differ^ 
ence such an outward sign has upon the soul, 
and how much more imperative it was to 
keep his spirit straight if part of his body 
was somewhat crooked. 

Edwin Leigh had proved a strong influ- 
ence for good in Lawrence’s life, despite his 
ten years’ seniority. Lawrence loved and re- 
spected him, and usually was guided by him, 
when his gentle mother, in despair, asked 
Edwin’s interference in curbing her wild son. 
Now as he rode to the door of the White 
Swan” tavern, he encountered young Leigh 
just leaving. 

Hullo, Ned ! ” he cried, swinging himself 
from Denmark, who stood docile and quiet as 
a sheep at the given word ; how are you ? 
and how is the arm ?” 

The young man did present a lamentable 
appearance; for besides having his arm in a 
sling, he was very pale, and wore a patch of 
surgeon’s plaster over one corner of his fore- 
head. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


21 


I am coming on very well/’ he replied 
quietly, ‘^and shall hope soon to be on the 
track of those cowards. But what is the 
matter with you ? You are excited. Have 
you any intelligence for me ? ” 

^^Not a word about the blackguards that 
waylaid you, Ned. I’ve just had a bout with 
Jerry Hide, and left him lamenting.” 

And he forthwith told the story of Jerry, 
and Jennie’s stubbornness, and the trick he 
had played them. Edwin smiled somewhat, 
but when Lawrence had finished, said, — 

You seem to have forgotten what you 
promised me last week.” 

No, I have not ; but you did not mean I 
should accept every insult forced on me — 
why, I — ” 

Nevertheless, I am disappointed in you. 
You are growing too old for these boyish 
tricks. I think your mother would agree 
with me that Jerry must be paid for every 
cabbage.” 

Now Lawrence’s blood was seething hotly 


22 


AT THE SIGN OF 


through him ; and Edwin’s cool words added 
fuel to the flame. He did not answer for a 
few moments ; then he deliberately turned to 
Denmark, and as he threw a h itching-strap 
over the rail near him, said, without glancing 
at his friend, — 

I’ll thank you not to meddle in what is 
not your affair. When I ask for a prig’s 
opinion, there will be no doubt but that I 
shall get it, but until I do ask — ” 

He glanced up then, finishing his sentence 
with all the scorn of his young spirit shin- 
ing in his eyes. 

^^Do you mean that, Larry?” asked Edwin, 
steadily regarding him. 

^^Yes!” returned Lawrence, sharply; and 
then Edwin walked quietly away, and Law- 
rence knew he had uttered a lie, and com- 
mitted the first cowardly act of his life. His 
fear of the darkness, as a child, had not been 
cowardly compared to this, his fear of ridi- 
cule, as he grew older; nothing recorded 
against him could so blacken his character 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


23 


as that foolish, hasty little word ^^yes ” ; for 
by it he had perjured himself, and wounded 
the kindest friend Heaven had given him. 
Only partially realising all this, and little 
knowing how soon he should rue in sorrow, 
and try and wipe out by deeds, this ingrati- 
tude on his part, Lawrence entered the 
White Swan and made his way straight' to 
the kitchen, where McKenna the cook, a fav- 
ourite chum of his, was; for Lawrence’s com- 
panions in this small town were many, and 
formed curious contrasts. 

Entering the low-ceiled kitchen, Lawrence 
was greeted by McKenna with a glad wel- 
come, and in reply as to his son’s whereabouts, 
contrived to interest Lawrence in some 
dainty cakes he was constructing, so that 
he quite forgot his interest in Dick McKenna, 
in watching Dick’s father’s skill. Being a 
boy, Larry was soon consuming samples of 
McKenna’s art, while he sat on a corner of 
the table, chatting volubly, and trying hard 
to forget Edwin’s face of surprise and grief. 


24 


AT THE SIGN OF 


and his own soreness of spirit at his after- 
noon’s adventures. 

You may eat every crumb I put there,'' 
said McKenna, pointing to a plate at Law- 
rence’s right hand ; but may the Lord help 
you, boy, if you touch those on this plate. 
They are for supper to-night. Now tell me, 
do you really think Mr. Leigh knows wLo 
waylaid him, and why they did it ? ” 

Only cowards would set on a man, three to 
one. And it stands to reason if Ned shot, — 
and he says he did, — that the ball struck 
somewhere. Now Purnell’s hat had a bullet- 
hole in it, and we all saw it. You can put 
that in your pipe and smoke it, McKenna, 
whenever you get time.” 

Then you think Tom Cobb and Bill Pur- 
nell had a hand in it,” said McKenna, paus- 
ing from his labours, to ruminate, and rub his 
nose with a spoon-handle. 

A. good many think so, especially since 
my cousin Alice Tremont — ” 

What of Miss Tremont ? ” cried McKenna, 
eagerly, as Lawrence paused. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


25 


well, it was nothing, and I had best 
hold my tongue.” 

No, no, lad, speak out, because much de- 
pends upon any one’s opinion, even if it is 
but a girl’s,” cried McKenna, devoured with 
curiosity ; but Lawrence knew he had been 
imprudent, and as McKenna spoke, he quick 
as a flash pushed the cakes for supper under 
a cloth near at hand, and then looked down 
suggestively at the empty platter. McKenna, 
who until this moment had been so engrossed 
in his gossip as not to note how fast Law- 
rence’s jaws had been at work, seeing the 
empty plate, gave a howl of rage. 

You mischievous dog, you little thief ! ” 
he cried, as Lawrence made a dart toward the 
door as if very guilty ; I’ll teach you to play 
such tricks on an old man.” Out of the door, 
into the narrow passage, sped Lawrence, Mc- 
Kenna in hot pursuit, the latter enjoying the 
skirmish, and with no great anger in his heart, 
for he admired the lad : still he had no idea of 
letting him escape unpunished, and down the 


26 


AT THE SIGN OF 


hall they both went, dodging each other, Mc- 
Kenna sending a spoon and tin pot cover 
spinning after Lawrence’s retreating form, 
until Lawrence found himself in a cul-de-sac, 
having hastily turned a corner down another 
narrow passage where there was no exit. 
Just as he realised his position, he saw a 
vessel of water standing at a door, evidently 
left by one of the servants. Snatching it up 
hastily, he waited at the corner for McKenna 
to appear, eager to give him the cold contents 
of the water jug, in his warm, perspiring 
face. 

He was coming ; Lawrence fancied he heard 
his quick, panting breath; he raised the 
pitcher, and with a quick movement threw 
the water over the face and person of An- 
thony Martin, the landlord of the White 
Swan. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


27 


CHAPTER III. 

When Lawrence realised what he had done, 
he knew he had no time to waste. To have 
thus maltreated the person of Anthony Mar- 
tin required, on his part, swift use of his legs 
before he bethought him of apology. That 
might come later, from a place of safety, but 
now the better part of valour was a discreet 
and hasty retreat. After one gasp of dis- 
may as the water ran trickling over him, old 
Anthony gave a roar of rage, and there en- 
sued as lively a race as ever gladdened the 
eye of mortal, as Larry doubled and dodged 
around the narrow passage, now beset by two 
pursuers; for McKenna, seeing his advantage 
in being thus re-enforced, showed no sign of 
fatigue. 

But Lawrence was agile and young, and had, 
moreover, a bad conscience urging him, while 


28 


AT THE SIGN OF 


the older men had the increasing stoutness of 
age to contend with. 

Panting, and almost spent, Larry saw a 
ladder placed against the wall beside a wide 
door at the end of the hall. He knew this 
door was always kept locked, and sealed ef- 
fectually by an iron bar; for it led to the 
wing built by Dr. Graddee to the White 
Swan. No one knew what mysteries of 
dissection and concoction were carried on be- 
hind the door by Dr. Graddee and his assist- 
ant, William Purnell. 

But Lawrence did not pause to reason now. 
He saw the transom, and the glass did not 
daunt him ; for old Martin was closing in upon 
him, while McKenna danced with triumph at 
having cornered him where there was no es- 
cape. He rusjied up the ladder. You fool!” 
bawled McKenna, beginning to laugh with 
delight. But just as Anthony’s hands were 
upon him, Lawrence swung himself by his 
long arms to the edge of the transom, raised 
himself, and while a slight sound of splinter- 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


29 


ing glass was heard, the astonished men below 
him saw but the vanishing flash of his boot- 
heels, as he sank in a breathless heap on the 
other side the door. 

He heard the sputtering, grumbling discom- 
fiture of the two men, and was too much out 
of breath to even laugh. Presently, however, 
he began to look about him, and discovered, 
to his horror, that he was in the private 
apartments of Dr. Graddee. 

Now, Lawrence was not more cowardly in 
the matter of ghosts than most people; but 
all the townsfolk had learned to shiver and 
grow uncomfortably cold when surmising all 
of the wonderful rites performed by Dr. Grad- 
dee in compounding his patent medicines. 
They told very ghastly stories, in which 
graveyards figured, and the dissecting-knife 
played a prominent part. 

Had Lawrence but realised it, the chief 
spirits haunting these premises were locked 
in a cupboard, the key of which lay concealed 
in Dr. Graddee’ s pocket, and were those spirits 


30 


AT THE SIGN OF 


that had at one time close associations with 
corn and rye. 

But Lawrence shook in his shoes, as he 
regarded the table, covered with a long cloth 
that quite reached the floor, and upon which 
were various curious-shaped vessels and a 
large pestle and mortar. A shiver seized him 
as he came suddenly face to face with the 
gaunt skeleton of a man, hung in a sombre 
corner, and the skull of an animal, peering at 
him from a shelf made ghastly by a collection 
of bones. 

In fact, Lawrence was soon so nervous that 
he was calculating the chances of a safe escape 
over the transom again. He hardly liked to 
make his way boldly through Dr. Graddee’s 
house, when he could give no sensible reason 
for his presence therein. But he soon found 
this was not practical even had he decided 
it to be his wisest course ; for the door was 
locked, and he was a captive. Still more dis- 
turbed to discover this, Lawrence was some- 
what reassured when he heard the sound of a 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


31 


happy child’s voice singing a snatch of song 
in the hall. It puzzled him, because he knew 
Dr. Graddee had no family. Then he remem- 
bered a dark-haired girl whom his cousin 
Alice had called Nina and had pointed out as 
the Doctor’s niece, recently come to live with 
him. He was about to knock on the door 
and ask his release, when something caught 
his eye, lying a short distance from him, on 
the floor, and he stopped his hand half-way. 
It was only a torn handkerchief with a red 
border, but the torn end was ragged and 
stained with blood. Lawrence had it in his 
hand in a moment, all thought of himself 
cast aside ; for he knew this to be part of 
the handkerchief Edwin Leigh had worn the 
night he was waylaid. As he held it in 
his hand, with a confused sense of what it 
might afford as a clew to the assaulting 
party, he heard footsteps approaching. He 
never quite understood why he acted as he 
did, or what instinct led him to conceal him- 
self; but he made a quick dive under the 


32 


AT THE SIGN OF 


table, felt something hard strike his side as 
he straightened himself out, and then lay 
perfectly silent, quaking with apprehension, 
but with the telltale handkerchief thrust in 
his pocket. 

Two men entered the room, and Lawrence 
was not long in recognising the suave voice 
of Dr. Graddee, and one of his friends, Tom 
Cobb by name, a huge bull-dog of a man, 
whom few people trusted. The latter carried 
something heavy he dropped in a corner of 
the room. 

“ Sit down, Tom,” said the Doctor, pleas- 
antly. I will look over the bag to-night. 
Nothing in the last one. Gorman is getting 
careless about leaving them.” 

Thank you. Doc ; don’t care if I do rest 
awhile. You have uncommon comfortable 
rooms here, if you didn’t keep such critters 
as that to stare at a man,” pointing at the 
skeleton. 

^^All in the profession, Tom — the profes- 
sion.” 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


33 


And this, also, I presume ? suggests the 
other, touching with his foot the burden he 
had carried. 

Well — er — not — quite in the same line, 
perhaps, Tom, but altogether one on which 
I’m posted y And then both men laughed 
heartily. 

Lawrence longed to see the object kicked 
by Tom Cobb as he spoke, and yet shrank 
with horror as he thought what it might be. 

Dr. Graddee now got out a bottle and two 
glasses, and the men talked in very low tones, 
but over and over again Larry heard Edwin 
Leigh’s name, and then one that made him 
raise himself on his elbow and listen atten- 
tively. It was the name of his cousin, Alice 
Tremont. 

Purnell is that sweet on the gal, and she 
don’t give him a show. Now Bill is not goin’ 
to be beat that way.” 

What is he going to do about it ? There 
is no good in pounding any more young men 
to jelly that I can see. I don’t like that kind 


34 


AT THE SIGN OF 


of business. Why can we not get all we want 
smoothly and with decency?” 

It requires your talent to do that, Doctor. 
But Bill has a scheme. The pretty gal is 
goin’ over the mountain to-morrow evening 
in the stage. Now Purnell is goin’ to do the 
grand rescue of the coach; for when I go on 
my usual errand, I take the bag, and he the 
baggage^ 

It won’t do. It will ruin me. It will be 
highway robbery — ” 

And what are you doin’. Dr. Graddee?” 

Dr. Graddee evidently took a long draught 
before he spoke. 

^^Well, well, I suppose Bill must have his 
way. But it won’t do if there are many pas- 
sengers.” 

^‘Gorman says only two are booked, and 
one is as deaf as a post, and the other is Pur- 
nell’s sister.” 

Oh ! well — then let him carry out the 
masquerade. But mind ! no harm to the girl. 
I won’t have that.” 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


35 


Trust Bill for treating her like a queen. 
But you see he wants to make her admire him, 
and it’s a highfalutin, romantic plan of his.” 

He won’t succeed,” said Graddee, briefly; 
^^but we must humour Bill, or he’ll peach. 
He has been as surly as a bear lately.” 

Say, Doctor, can you give me five from 
the last haul ? ” 

There was nothing in it, Tom, I assure 
you. But I’ll advance that much on this 
night’s work. So there.” 

There was a silence as the money changed 
hands; then the men both rose and left the 
room. Lawrence crawled from his place, and 
went cautiously and eagerly to the object 
Cobb had dropped in the corner. It was a 
leathern mail-pouch. Lawrence turned it 
over. It was unopened, and full of mail. 
Then Lawrence swung himself over the tran- 
som, and hung around the hall long enough 
to know that Dr. Graddee had discovered the 
broken transom, and amid much dignified re- 
buke to his tenant, Anthony Martin, -had had 


36 


AT THE SIGN OF 


the opening boarded up. Anthony said not a 
word about the real cause of the mischief, and 
Lawrence sped down street, his head full of 
plans to frustrate and confound Graddee’s 
schemes, not a little confused as to the full 
blackness of the plans revealed during his 
eavesdropping, nor sure of his own honour in 
having listened. He wanted an older head 
to help him get his true soundings, yet he 
rejected the idea of going at once to Edwin. 
Pride and self-accusation fought a battle 
within him, and pride won ; for remembering 
that Denmark needed a shoe, he stopped in at 
the blacksmith’s, where he met several of the 
lads who looked upon him as their ringleader, 
and was soon engrossed in the plans for the 
Hallowe’en frolic. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


37 


CHAPTER lY. 

The lads gathered m a pleasant circle just 
within the blacksmith’s shop, and the black- 
smithy Alec Bloomfield by name, put his word 
into the conversation, as he good-naturedly 
meddled with their plans for making the night 
disastrous to the neighbourhood. But it was 
not long before Lawrence had betrayed a 
knowledge regarding the party assaulting 
Edwin Leigh, for the conversation naturally 
drifted back to that absorbing topic. 

Hullo ! Larry, how do you know so 
much?” quoth one of the lads; ^^if we did 
not know you loved Ned Leigh’s shadow, we 
would suspect you of leading the gang.” 

Pshaw ! look at Bill Purnell’s hat next 
time you see it. I wish Ned’s bullet had been 
through his ugly skull. Tell you what, boys, 
there’s going to be fun in this town before 
long, and I am going to see it through.” 


38 


AT THE SIGN OF 


We are with you, Larry,” called a shrill 
voice; ^‘but give us time to make ready be- 
fore we fire.” 

Never do you fear, Silas Ginn. But what 
do you say, boys, to barring the gate of Dr. 
Graddee to-night, and making the Doctor cap- 
tive among his bottles. Wouldn’t it be fun, 
though ! ” 

He’d take some dose of medicine, and 
vanish in thin air out of the chimney,” cried 
the blacksmith, looking up from the shoe he 
was making fast on Denmark’s foot. You 
could not capture the Doctor. Besides, he is 
due at a church festival to-night, and his 
honour never misses that kind of grub.” 

Oh ! I say, Alec, you don’t love him any 
more than we do. Now I want you to help 
us,” said Larry, persuasively. 

Like him ? everybody likes the Doctor,” 
said the blacksmith, grinning maliciously. 

No, you don’t. He gets rich too fast,” 
said Lawrence, promptly. Now listen while 
I tell you. After the stage goes out to-night. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


39 


Dr. Graddee or Tom Cobb will follow it, per- 
haps as far as Snyders’. They start from the 
yard; Now let us put an iron clamp on the 
yard gate in the brick wall. It’s far enough 
from the house never to be heard. Then bar 
the door, and let’s see any of ’em drive out 
of that yard again, or Dr. Graddee get to 
his church festival, save he jumps through a 
window and climbs the wall.” 

Or opens the door between the hotel and 
the wing and lets all the ghosts out on An- 
thony Martin,” suggested the shrill voice of 
Silas Ginn. 

He won’t open that door,” said Lawrence, 
knowingly. 

I was jokin’ about the church festival, 
but what idea have you in your head, Larry ? 
You’ve got a level head on you, and you 
want to make something by all this. I’ll 
be bound,” and Alec Bloomfield, having fin- 
ished his task, stood gazing at the boy keenly. 

You’re right,” returned Larry, stepping 
nearer, and lowering his voice; ^Gielp me to- 


40 


AT THE SIGN OF 


night, Alec, for I believe I have a clew to the 
blackguards that hurt Ned. I want to watch 
Tom Cobb and Dr. Graddee to-night. Hallow- 
e’en makes the trick we play merely a trick. 
We cannot really bar them in their own house, 
but we can make it hard for them to get out, 
and I can watch them. You will help me ? 
don’t tell the rest.” 

Alec was a man of few words. He gazed 
admiringly at his young friend and held out 
his hand, and Lawrence clasped it heartily. 
So, without enlightening the others as to their 
real motive, they discussed the proposed prac- 
tical joke to be played on the Doctor, the 
boys all relishing the idea of fastening a man 
securely in his own house. 

The situation of the wing of the White 
Swan, built and occupied by Graddee, fa- 
voured their plan. He had erected a high 
brick wall about his yard, and an iron gate 
was securely fastened from within every night. 
The house was thus surrounded, as many 
houses are in the southern cities, by a high 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


41 


wall. This wall extended around the yards, 
where the coaches used to be driven to await 
the passengers. When the last coach arrived 
at night, or departed, the gates were opened 
for it by Tom Cobb and promptly locked 
again. No coach went in or out save under 
the surveillance of Dr. Purnell or Dr. Graddee. 
Since the latter had bought the property of 
the White Swan, and built the left wing for 
himself, no one had questioned his right to 
this surveillance. 

As the boys talked excitedly, and lapsed 
once more to that ever-interesting topic of 
the assault on Edwin Leigh, the dusk of twi- 
light was gathering fast, and as Lawrence 
made some allusion not complimentary to 
Cobb, a thin, tall figure paused in the doorway 
of the shop, glided around back of Denmark, 
causing the horse to lay back his ears, in quick 
annoyance. There it lingered a moment in 
the shadow, then stepping suddenly forward 
put a hand on Lawrence’s shoulder, saying 
roughly ; See here, young blade, you’ve 


42 


AT THE SIGN OF 


talked enough ’bout your betters. Another 
word of the like, and I’ll trounce ye till you 
can’t stand.” 

Lawrence strove to twist himself from the 
iron grasp of William Purnell. 

Let go of me, you ugly thief,” he cried, 
forgetting all save his abhorrence of the man 
and his rage at being thus treated. In a mo- 
ment the heavy whip Purnell carried was laid 
heavily across the lad’s shoulders and head. 
But only two blows reached their destination ; 
for while Bloomfield made a spring to the res- 
cue, a clear, high voice cried, — 

“ You miserable, cowardly dog ; you bully 
of boys and maidens, lie where you belong ! ” 
And Purnell was thrown to the ground, 
where he lay groaning in terror and surprise. 



THE ALTERCATION IN THE LLACKSMITIl’s SHOP. 



THE WHITE SWAN. 


45 


CHAPTER V. 

Lawkence Carothers reeled back against 
Denmark, clinging to the horse’s neck, half 
stunned by the heavy blow of Purnell’s whip, 
but in the pause that followed his enemy’s 
downfall, he looked eagerly for the person 
who had sprung apparently from the dark to 
his rescue. 

It was Edwin Leigh, who stood panting 
with the exertion of his swift, unerring blow, 
his slight form quivering with anger and 
excitement, his left arm still in its sling. 
Lawrence felt the old love and allegiance 
growing strong Avithin him, as a murmur of 
approval broke into a feeble cheer from the 
startled boys, while Alec Bloomfield cried, — 
Now, Avhat is the good of fighting, lads ? 
Get up. Bill. Shake hands all around, and 
it’s a poor man that holds a grudge, after 
each has had his say.” 


46 


AT THE SIGN OF 


For Alec Bloomfield was a strong mixture 
of Quaker suavity and old Irish combative- 
ness, and one never knew which was going to 
predominate in his counsel. 

Edwin gazed down at the man who still 
lay blinking at his feet. 

Get up,” he said roughly. 

Purnell slowly obeyed, with an evil glance 
toward his opponent. 

Pick up your hat,” said Edwin, pointing 
scornfully at that article, which had rolled 
under Denmark’s feet. But Denmark was 
too quick for Purnell. He reached the hat, — 
a soft felt one, — by craning his long neck a 
little, and after chewing the brim, placidly 
held it toward the discomfited Purnell, with 
the truest twinkle of humour in his wild eyes 
that ever a horse manifested. 

A giggle burst from the boys, and even Ed- 
win smiled as Purnell snatched the hat from 
Denmark’s teeth. 

You shall pay for this, Ned Leigh! ” said 
Purnell, more furious at their laughter than 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


47 


at the blow he had received. When your 
■father comes to account for the sums of money 
lost in the mails lately, perhaps you’ll stop 
cuffing honest people, and upholding liars.” 

Edwin made a quick spring toward the 
speaker, but Alec caught him in his arms ; and 
Purnell, frightened at his own temerity, made 
off at the top of his speed. 

Let me go, Alec, let me go ! I won’t rest 
until I’ve choked those words in his throat,” 
cried Edwin, who seemed wrought up to an 
unusual rage. 

Come, come, Ned, not when you’re dis- 
abled already. And to fight such a coward 
would be to demean yourself,” cried Alec, 
who was in one of his most pacific moods, 
now that he saw Edwin’s condition. 

Let the sneak go, Ned,” called Silas Ginn, 
while several others put in their word of 
soothing advice. 

But Lawrence said not a word. He had 
stood quietly by Denmark, only prompting 
that sagacious animal to the destruction of 


48 


AT THE SIGN OF 


Purnell’s hat. Edwin turned to him now, and 
said shortly, — 

Are you hurt ? ” 

No,” returned Lawrence, not at all liking, 
or understanding, the cold scrutiny of Edwin’s 
glance. I am not made of glass. It takes 
more than two blows to smash me.” 

“ Then go home and stay there,” returned 
Edwin, very sharply ; don’t let me hear of 
you again to-night.” 

Several of the lads had departed, hut a few 
remained to hear this curt speech, that cut 
Lawrence to the quick, adding to the sore 
heart he already carried. With a mighty 
effort, he gulped down his pride, and said, — 
But, Ned, I want to see and talk with 
you. I—” 

I’ve no time to do either to-night. Go 
home as I tell you, and stay there.” And so 
saying, Edwin tramped away in the gathering 
gloom, at a speed that checked all thought of 
pursuit. 

Alec whistled in a melancholy way, and be- 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


49 


gan closing the shop ; the boys who remained 
cast curious glances at Lawrence. Denmark 
rubbed his nose caressingly against his mas- 
ter’s golden hair. Lawrence stood perfectly 
silent and unmoved, gazing after Edwin. 
Then he returned the horse’s caress. 

Yes, Denmark, we will go home and have 
some supper,” he said softly, and then — 
how many of you boys are going to meet 
Alec and me at the back of the White Swan 
to-night ? ” 

Every one of us ! ” cried several, eagerly. 

Bully for you, Larry ! I thought you were 
going to mind Ned and your mam.” 

Ned don’t know what he is talking about. 
He will be sarry for what he said to-night. 
I’m off, then, until to-night at seven.” 

And swinging himself on to Denmark’s 
back, Larry sped homeward. 


50 


AT THE SIGN OF 


CHAPTER VI. 

As Lawrence rode home, he pondered over 
Edwin’s conduct not a little, for never in his 
acquaintance with him had he seen his friend 
so moved. It quieted any resentment Law- 
rence felt for the bitterness of Edwin’s sharp 
words to him ; for he felt something very 
unusual must have occurred to bring Edwin 
to such a condition of anger and rudeness. 
But while resentment was lulled, the stab of 
the short, contemptuous words made Lawrence 
wince and sputter not a little to Denmark, as 
he rode to his mother’s cottage, at the south 
end of the town. His mother, a gentle-faced 
woman, who worshipped her son, yet spent 
many an anxious hour in prayer for him, was 
standing in the doorway, looking for him. 

I thought you would never come. Oh, 
Larry ! what have you been doing now ? Here 
old Jerry Dide has handed me this bill for a 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


51 


hundred head of cabbage, and they tell me 
that it is rumoured you have nearly drowned 
old Anthony Martin.” 

Who has been here gossipping, mother ? ” 
said Lawrence, laughing easily, and twisting 
Jerry Dide’s bill into a paper wad. 

“ Mrs. Pax stopped on her way home and 
told me. But, Lawrence, Jerry came himself, 
and you promised me — ” 

So I did, mother. I am always doing 
that. You and Ned Leigh are to blame for 
making me promise, since you know I always 
break my promises. Now isn’t that so ? ” 

A gentleman doesn’t break his word, 
Lawrence.” 

‘^And I am not a gentleman? Well! I 
call this hard lines. Ned has been bullying 
me all day, and now you commence. Den- 
mark is the only reliable friend I have. 
Guess I’ll go back and eat supper with him.” 
And Lawrence turned as if to go to the stable, 
well knowing what would follow. Of course 
his mother put her arms about his neck, and 


52 


AT THE SIGN OF 


cried and kissed him ; and Lawrence, who 
loved her tenderly, and would gladly have 
saved her any pain or trouble he could, pro- 
vided it did not involve a change of nature, 
returned her caresses, and as he ate his sup- 
per, told her of all his afternoon’s adventures, 
finally confiding to her his discovery of the 
mail-bags, and his plan for watching Grad- 
dee’s house that night. 

The good woman listened eagerly ; laughed 
before she realised it, at Lawrence’s descrip- 
tion of Jerry Dide’s chagrin, at Martin’s 
lamentable appearance ; and was so in sym- 
pathy with him regarding the exposure of 
Dr. Graddee that she hurried him with his 
supper. 

Lawrence had only refrained from relating 
to her his hasty words to Edwin, and Edwin’s 
conduct afterward to him. He felt ashamed 
to tell her that which he knew would pain 
her. Once during the meal, she had said, 
I must see Edwin to-morrow. You had bet- 
ter let him know all you have discovered.” 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


53 


Then, as he did not reply, she went on, as if 
the mention of Edwin recalled it to her mind, 
Alice was here a moment this evening.” 

At what time ? ” asked Lawrence, quickly. 

About half-past five, or six. She was 
very much vexed, having met that assistant 
of Dr. Graddee’s, after she had passed Alec 
Bloomfield’s shop, and he had insisted on 
accompanying her part of the way.” 

Oh ho ! ” said Lawrence, smiling a little, 
and looking wise 5 ^‘did she speak of seeing 
Ned?” 

^^Nq, she did not stay long; but I never 
saw her so disturbed. She sat and cried a bit, 
at what she said was his impudence. Alice 
has so much spirit. She is going over to 
Conway, to her aunt, to-morrow night.” 

Lawrence laid down his knife and fork 
suddenly. So she is,” he said. 

How did you know about it ? She only got 
the letter to-day, calling her there.” 

See here, mother,” said Lawrence, push- 
ing back his chair hastily. I have got to 


64 


AT THE SIGN OF 


hurry. You won’t mind. Good-bye. Go to 
bed early, and if I am not here in the morn- 
ing, be sure I am safe, and will come back like 
a bad penny. I shall keep Denmark close at 
hand.” 

And after kissing her lovingly, Lawrence 
was soon once more upon Denmark’s back, 
speeding him toward the White Swan. But 
he went aside from his path to stop at a house 
not far from the tavern, where he expected to 
see his cousin Alice. He was met with the 
word that Alice had joined a party of young 
people, who were to go on a husking-bee about 
five miles from Benton. Lawrence tried to 
think he could ride there and back in time to 
meet Alec ; but, deciding against such a 
course, he wrote, hastily, on a piece of paper 
given him by Alice’s sister : — 

^‘Do not go to Conway to-morrow night.” 
Then he hesitated a moment, and, in a spirit 
of mischief, little realising what might be the 
result of such an act, he signed the note with 
the initials of Edwin Leigh. Smiling as he 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


55 


thought how much more weight these words 
might have with Alice, thus signed, he arrived 
at the White Swan, only a little late for 
his appointment, after carefully leaving Den- 
mark at a safe place, where he could be easily 
reached. It was still far too early to carry 
any of their project into action; and Law- 
rence and his companions kept carefully out 
of sight, Lawrence AVJ^tching eagerly every 
movement in the yard, where the old stage- 
coach, weather-beaten and capacious, stood 
awaiting its journey. The horses were 
brought out, fresh, strong, and willing to 
begin their long pull over Laurel Ridge. At 
Snyders’ hill-top station they would find 
another relay of their cheerful kind to con- 
tinue the journey. Then the mail-bag was 
brought out and strapped onto the back of the 
wagon, by Gorman, the driver. Lawrence 
watched him eagerly, and wondered if he had 
left the other one in Graddee’s room of hor- 
rors. He noted, also, that Edwin Leigh fol- 
lowed Gorman closely, and watched him as he 


56 


AT THE SIGN OF 


arranged the bag. Lawrence longed to rush 
forward and speak to Edwin, but was held 
back by the memory of the afternoon. 

Then Tom Cobb swung open the gates, the 
passengers, — only one or two, — took their 
places; Gorman blew a blast upon the horn 
he wore swung over his shoulder, and the 
stage was oft. 

It was now nearly nine o’clock. 

You will have to work quickly,” whis- 
pered Lawrence excitedly to Alec, as Tom 
Cobb closed the gates, but left them unfas- 
tened ; for Cobb will not be long in following 
the stage, and we have three doors to bar and 
the gate.” 

Alec’s reply was a grunt of satisfaction. 
He only paused for one question. 

What will the stage that comes at mid- 
night do ? They cannot drive into the 
yard.” 

Let it stay out. I want to make people 
talk of this. Quick ! ” 

Lawrence led the way stealthily into the 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


57 


yard, forbidding more than two of the boys 
to follow. Everything was dark about the 
wing save a dim light in the corner adjoining 
the hotel, which Lawrence knew came from 
the memorable room. They barred the back 
door, with Alec’s help, securely. The one 
old servant Dr. Graddee kept was abed. 

The wide front door of the house required 
greater care and precaution. They worked 
noiselessly, when Alec suddenly missed one of 
his tools, a little rod of iron. 

Quick, Larry, you can run the fastest. 
I must have dropped it in the grass.” 

Yes, but Alec, whatever happens, fasten 
the outer cjatef said Lawrence, and sped on 
his errand. 

He found the iron, but as he started back 
a sound smote upon his ear that filled him 
with horror. It was Dr. Graddee’s voice. 

Who is that at the door?” he was ask- 
ing politely, from an upper window. 

And now Alec’s sense of humour got the 
better of his prudence, for he called out, — 


58 


AT THE SIGN OF 


^^And it is me, Dr. Graddee, and I’ve left 
behind a good strong sign for you.” 

The reply to this badinage was a long 
whistle, and Lawrence knew its meaning only 
too well, and felt Dr. Graddee had fathomed 
their plot. 

In a moment a huge hound made a spring / 
past the doctor out the window, and ran 
toward the frightened group on the front 
steps. There was a wild rush toward the 
gate, and Lawrence saw with relief that all 
succeeded in getting beyond it, unharmed. 

But at the same moment the dog made a 
rush for him. It was neck or nothing now. 
Lawrence had no weapon with which to de- 
fend himself, and he knew the hound’s char- 
acter. He made a rush for a tree growing 
close to the house, and climbed nimbly out 
of the dog’s reach ; then he paused ; panting 
and dismayed. Dr. Graddee was peering 
curiously into the tree, while beneath, ready 
to make short work of him, if he dared de- 
scend, was Bruno the hound. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


59 


He was so near the house that a quick 
bound would land him on a small balcony a 
few feet above him. But he would be much 
nearer Dr. Graddee, should he make this 
move, and it would not better the situation. 

A silence reigned that seemed to Lawrence 
an hour long. 

Then he heard a quiet laugh and the sharp 
click of a pistol. 

Get out of that tree and on the balcony, 
or I will shoot you in five minutes,” said Dr. 
Graddee, pleasantly. 


60 


AT THE SIGN OF 


CHAPTER VII. 

Lawrence did not hesitate to comply with 
Dr. Graddee’s request. In fact, he never ac- 
complished a leap with greater agility, or felt 
more thankful than as he reached the balcony 
and knew himself to be beyond the range of 
the Doctor’s pistol. Then he stood nervously 
expectant as to the Doctor’s next move. 
He knew Dr. Graddee still stood in the win- 
dow, and Bruno kept watch under the tree, 
but he fancied he heard the doctor speak to 
some one within the room. There was a win- 
dow behind him, that reached to the floor of 
the balcony. He knew he must expect the 
next attack from that quarter. Try as he 
would, he could not steady his shaking limbs ; 
and while he mentally denounced his cow- 
ardice, he felt his hands were like ice, while 
his heart throbbed to suffocation. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


61 


At this moment a light flashed forth from 
the room behind him, the casement was 
opened, and a strong hand fell on his shoulder, 
dragging him into the room, where he stood, 
blinking and limp, in the light of a candle 
held close to his face, while in his ears rang 
the rich tones of old black Aunt Phebe, Dr. 
Graddee’s sole retainer. 

Well, for de land sakes, if it tain’t the 
Widder Carother’s bo’, as I’m a sinner! For 
de Lord’s sake, honey, what ye adoin’ heyr 2 
don’ you know Dr. Graddee’s ole Bruno tare 
ye to bits un’ he git ye ? and de Doctor his- 
self won’t leave no hide on ye if you’se done 
mischief in his yard.” 

Oh 1 Aunt Phebe!” cried Lawrence, re- 
gaining voice and courage at her tone ; for he 
had known Aunt Phebe ever since he could 
remember anything. Won’t you help me 
get away ? don’t, oh ! don’t take me where 
the Doctor is — please — Aunt Phebe ! ” 

Pshaw, chile ! does you t’ink I’se wise 
as Solomon to let ye out o’ dis trick you let 


62 


AT THE SIGN OF 


youself inter ? Ain’t you been gone barred 
de doo’ so none of us can’t git out ? Ain’t 
de Doctor been a watcbin’ of ye all de time, 
and does ye think I can dis’bey him. Come 
along, chile.” 

Oh ! Aunt Phebe ! ” cried Larry, almost 
in tears. Can’t you save me ? isn’t there a 
window I can get out of ; dear Aunt 

Phebe.” 

No, dar ain’t ; an’ if dar was. Mister Larry, 
ye desarves a good lickin’ fur dis heyr. So 
come along. De ole fox got ye dis time, and 
in your own trap, fo’ suah.” 

And with her strong black hands on Law- 
rence’s shoulders, she pushed him along in 
front of her, down the hall to the room Law- 
rence so dreaded. 

It presented a more cheerful aspect by the 
bright candle-light and with a glowing fire 
on the hearth ; for although it was only Octo- 
ber, there was a biting air at night-fall that 
made the blaze very gratifying. 

The Doctor had closed the window, and 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


63 


was standing beside the mantel shelf, the pis- 
tol still in his hand. 

Sitting at the table, one leg thrown grace- 
fully over the other, his pipe in his mouth 
and a grin on his coarse features, sat Tom 
Cobb. 

The skeleton took on a weird liveliness, in 
the flicker of fire and candle light, and every 
bone and skull on the shelves grew paler and 
more prominent. 

But the glow and warmth of the fire, and 
more than all else the grin on Tom Cobb’s 
face, put new courage into Lawrence’s veins. 
In fact, Lawrence had not a cowardly bone in 
his body, although his reckless foolhardiness 
was constantly leading him into scrapes that 
tried every nerve. 

Now he threw ofi Aunt Phebe’s hands, 
and straightened his shoulders, and decided 
that the Doctor might kill and dissect him, 
but Tom Cobb should not triumph in his 
downfall or extort a plea for mercy from 
him. 


64 


AT THE SIGN OF 


^^Here he is, sah,” said Pliebe, closing the 
door behind her, and leaning against it ; an’ 

I hope ye ain’t gwine to salt him down too 
hard, tho’ I thinks he’ll take a power o’ it.”/ 
Fresh, eh?” said Tom, puffing his pipe 
slowly, and leaning forward to scan Law- 
rence’s face. 

The boy stood looking squarely at his cap- 
tors. He had lost his hat in climbing, and 
his yellow hair was tumbled over his fore- 
head; the usually mild blue eyes were dark- 
ened with excitement and defiance ; his hands 
were twisted nervously together, while his 
wrist was bleeding from a scratch he had re- 
ceived in leaj)ing to the balcony. But, except 
the trembling of his fingers, there was no in- 
dication of fear in the glance he cast about 
him. Dr. Graddee looked at him long, before 
he asked, laying down the pistol and clasping 
his hands behind his back, — 

What is your name ?” 

Lawrence Caro the rs.” 

“Don’ ye know dat. Doctor?” said Phebe, 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


65 


eagerly; ^Hie’s de son ob Widder Carotliers, 
and de biggest little pickle in de town. But, 
bless ye, he don’ mean no harm by it — not a 
bit.” 

That will do. Aunt Phebe. You can go 
back to my niece. We don’t need you any 
more.” 

A little gasp escaped Lawrence, as Phebe, 
casting an encouraging glance at him, left the 
room. He felt as if the last link he held of 
expected mercy was slipping from his grasp. 
If he could only, at that moment, have 
pleaded, with a clear conscience, that it was 
all a piece of Hallowe’en mischief. But Law- 
rence knew that that was the last reason why 
he had proposed and entered into the scheme. 
Lawrence might break a promise to his 
mother or Edwin Leigh, but it was through 
heedlessness ; but never wilfully had Law- 
rence told a lie to any one. Now, as Dr. 
Graddee turned to him, the temptation had 
never been so great in his short life, for he 
felt the doctor would believe him. There 


66 


AT THE SIGN OF 


was no imkindness in the smooth brow of the 
quack physician. 

Ah ! Lawrence Carothers. It is a good 
name — a very good name. And now will you 
tell me why you and your companions desired 
to make me a prisoner in my own house?” 

There was no reply. Larry stood strug- 
gling with a greater enemy than either Dr. 
Graddee or Tom Cobb. 

Come ! do not be foolish. This trick may 
cost you a law-suit ; for I intend to prosecute 
you and your companions for trespass, and 
will have the extremity of the law, if it takes 
every penny your mother owns to make the 
damage good. Still, it is more than folly for 
you to refuse to answer me.” 

Then Lawrence did that for which he hated 
himself ever after. He put his honesty behind 
him, instead of Satan, and said in a feeble 
way,— 

It is Hallowe’en, Dr. Graddee, and you 
know we boys always — take — what — ” he 
faltered and stopped. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


67 


All ! then this was only a frolic of the 
night. Well; it is time such foolish pranks 
that endanger life and property should cease/’ 
said the Doctor, impressively, although Law- 
rence was at a loss to know of any life save 
his own being any way involved in peril. 
The Doctor took down from the wall a large 
riding-whip, before he spoke again, and stood 
turning it in his hands. His next question 
came as pleasantly as his order had been 
given to leap to the balcony. Tom Cobb took 
up a pen on the table, and then the Doctor 
said, — 

Give me the names of your companions, 
Mr. Carothers.” 

The colour rushed to Lawrence’s forehead, 
and he stepped back quickly, drawing a long 
breath. He had never thought of this. The 
punishment for his feeble equivocation the 
moment before had come quickly. What he 
would not bear in silence for his own honour’s 
sake he must bear for that of his friends. 
For the best of us will pinch our own con- 


68 


AT THE SIGN OF 


science sometimes ; but be it to the glory of 
human nature, we few of us want to be Judas. 
Lawrence pressed his lips together firmly. 

I’m waiting, Mr. Carothers,” said the 
Doctor, suavely, while Tom Cobb scratched 
his head with the quill, and watched Lawrence 
maliciously. 

I will never tell you the names of my 
companions. Dr. Graddee,” said Lawrence, in 
a low tone. 

advise you not to trifle with me, for I 
am not in the mood to-night. I have decided 
to let you go at once,- when you have told me 
the names of all those to whom I am indebted 
for this visit. If you refuse, I warn you I 
shall not deal gently with you. Speak at 
once.” 

The Doctor spoke sternly now, losing some 
of his deliberate coolness, as he stepped toward 
the boy. Lawrence gathered all his courage 
together, and spoke clearly and unfalteringly. 

Dr. Graddee, I told you a lie just now. I 
did not come here alone for the fun of a Hal- 





C( 


f) 


THE DOCTOR SPOKE STERNLY AS HE STEPPED TOWARD THE BOY, 




THE WHITE SWAN. 


71 


lowe’en frolic. I came for my own reasons; 
but only one other than myself knows of this. 
The rest only thought to play a joke on you. 
I deserve all I may get for the lie, but you 
may do what you please to me,^and I will tell 
you no more. I shall not speak again.” 

Tom Cobb uttered a low whistle at this 
speech, and the Doctor’s hand closed convul- 
sively on the whip he held, but he still re- 
tained his smooth, unruffled face, although 
any one looking closely could have discerned 
a nervous twitch of his mouth and curious 
hard white lines settling over his face. Very 
slow to anger, he could be utterly without 
mercy for any one who thwarted him. 

You acknowledge you came here with 
another purpose than the joke you thought to 
so cleverly compass. This is interesting. I 
did not know the Widow Caro the rs’ son was a 
thief or burglar, even if I had anything in my 
poor house worth stealing. Speak out, and 
at once explain yourself.” 

I have nothing more to say,” said Larry, 


AT THE SIGN OF 


72 

proudly. I have told you the truth about 
myself, and it is all I mean to say aboud it.^’ 

Oh ! I say, Larry,” said Tom Cobb, speak- 
ing for the first time, and with a good-natured 
warning in his tone, don’t push it too far. 
Confess, lad, and save your eggs and bacon. 
Wasn’t Alec Bloomfield in the gang?” 

Answer at once,” demanded the Doctor, 
making a quick step toward Larry, when the 
door opened slowly and Dr. William Purnell 
appeared on the threshold, an ugly sullen look 
upon his sallow face. 

What’s goin’ on here ? ” he asked, with a 
drawl ; then seeing Larry, his expression 
changed to one of lively concern, as he 
said, — 

Oh ! you’ve got the rascal here, have 
you ? He is just the boy we want, and short 
work we will make of him.” 

Where did you come from ? How. did you 
get in ? ” demanded the Doctor. 

I crawled through the coal-hole. May I 
ask why the doors are barred and Bruno in 
the front yard ? ” 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


73 


We are indebted to yonder gentleman for 
the situation. But what do you mean, Bill ?” 

Why didn’t you go to the husking ? 
wasn’t she there ? ” asked Tom Cobb, leering 
with delight at Purnell’s frown and grimace 
at this allusion. 

Hold your tongue, Tom Cobb, when your 
betters are talking. I’ll tell you what I mean. 
Doc. That young scamp there is spreading 
reports about us. Says we were of the gang 
that laid out Ned Leigh, and that there is a 
mystery about mail-bags we can explain. In 
fact, he is a party solid for mischief, and if 
you don’t hold him now you’ve got him, you’ll 
be sorry.” 

Is this why you intend to hold your tongue 
so persistently, you impudent young dog ? ” 

You might as well have the whole of it,” 
cried Lawrence, suddenly ; for as they talked, 
he had noticed the door was open, and he 
thought if he could once make his escape into 
the hall, Bruno, no, nor any other power, could 
overtake him, if he could reach that coal-hole 


74 


AT THE SIGN OF 


to which Purnell referred ; for it led up into 
the yard of the White Swan, beyond the wall. 
He knew the situation of it well ; for he had 
climbed into it, when the wing was built, and 
the opening made between the old cellar of 
the White Swan and the new cellar in the 
wing. I’ll tell you all I know about Aim,” 
continued Lawrence, pointing at Purnell, and 
then you can choose between a bully and a 
coward and an honest man. I hioio he led 
the gang that fell on Ned, and he is ready 
to-morrow to sell you, Dr. Graddee and Tom 
Cobb, provided he can win my cousin as a 
sweetheart and not get into the state’s prison 
himself ; and as for you, Dr. Graddee and Tom 
Cobb — if you don’t believe I know you for 
what you are, look at this'' 

Before the men, who had followed him 
breathlessly in his rapid speech, could realise 
his intention, he made a dive under the long 
table as if to bring forth the mail-bag upon 
which he had fallen that afternoon. In reality, 
he went out under the other side of the 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


75 


table, through the door, and down the wide 
stairway. 

With a yell of rage, Purnell sped after him, 
the Doctor following, now anxious, and up to 
a white heat of rage. He had only half 
believed any of the ugly rumours his associates 
had brought against him. This adventure 
seemed to corroborate them all. 

Lawrence was desperate, but Purnell’s legs 
were long; besides, he had nothing to unnerve 
him as Lawrence had had. He overtook 
Lawrence in the lower hall ; but Lawrence 
turned on him, and despair giving him the 
strength of two boys of his size, he laid 
about Purnell’s head and shoulders with his 
fists, and got once more beyond his grasp, 
when the Doctor laid hold of him, and with 
his heavy wliip, hailed the blows upon the 
head and shoulders of the lad, until from 
silence and struggling, he broke forth into 
hard, quick moans of pain. 

Lay it on. Doctor,” cried Purnell, danc- 
ing with rage and a fast-blackening eye. 


76 


AT THE SIGN OF 


Give it to him, until he cannot run away 
again.” 

No — no — ! ” broke from the poor boy, in 
long sobs of anguish ; have mercy on me — 
do not kill me — I cannot — I cannot tell 
you — Oh ! Mother, mother, mother ! ” 

As if the pitiful cry brought quick response, 
it seemed to Lawrence that something all 
white and beautiful rushed across the hall. 
He heard Purnell change his cry to one of 
warning to the Doctor, heard the whistle of 
the whip through the air, and knew some one 
else caught the blow, as an involuntary 
scream rang forth, followed by a voice he 
never forgot, crying, — 

‘^Oh! cruel, cruel ! the poor pretty boy, he 
is dead ! ” 

And then Lawrence heard and saw no 


more. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


77 


CHAPTER YIII. 

It was Dr. Graddee’s niece, who had rushed 
into the hall, closely followed by Aunt Phebe, 
who was shaking with apprehension at the 
Doctor’s anger and the girl’s temerity. The 
girl must have been two years Lawrence’s 
senior, and was tall and slight. She had 
thrown a garment over her night-dress, to 
come from her bedroom at the sound of 
alarm, and the open sleeve fell back from 
her round white arm, showing that the cruel 
blow she had intercepted had brought the 
blood to the surface in a long red welt. She 
threw herself down by Lawrence, as he slid 
from the Doctor’s grasp and lay white and 
still on the floor, and she lifted his head 
to her breast, and he felt her warm tears 
fall on his face, but he could not move or 
speak. In truth, Lawrence felt for a moment 
as if he should never want to move again. 


78 


AT THE SIGN OF 


little recking the work that was yet before 
him. 

Oh, uncle, uncle ! how could you do it ? 
What has he done ? He is like George, my 
dear, lost George ; ” and then her tears fell 
faster than ever. 

Get up, Nina,” said the Doctor, sternly, 
and trying to recover himself; let the scamp 
alone. He is a liar, and would ruin me if he 
could. Let him alone, I say ! ” and he laid a 
firm hand on the girl’s shoulder. 

But you cannot leave him this way. Oh ! 
I cannot believe it — it must be some mis- 
take.” 

And then the girl felt Lawrence’s hand 
suddenly close on one of hers, resting nearest 
him. He opened his eyes and strove to speak, 
but no sound came. 

Let the women care for him,” said Tom 
Cobb, who up to this time had followed, a 
silent spectator of the scene. You have used 
him up pretty well. Doc. Seems as if a man 
of your build might have dealt easier with 


THE WHITE SWAN. 79 

one of his kind. Here, girl, get out the way, 
and I’ll carry him wherever you want him 
taken. Only mind! and don’t let him run 
away again, tho’ just now he don’t look like 
running far. Go back into the den, you two. 
Bill, you had better swab that eye, or we 
won’t dance at your weddin’ to-morrow.” 
And Tom Cobb smiled grimly, as he gathered 
Lawrence in his strong arms, and carried him 
into the room pointed out by old Phebe, who 
was now weeping more than Nina. 

The Doctor only lingered a moment. He 
saw the wisdom of Tom Cobb’s words. He 
knew they must take counsel. The serious 
outcome of what he had judged to be empty 
rumour appalled him. Dr. Graddee was no 
bold highwayman, with a heart for any fate. 
He much preferred his quiet pilfering of the 
mail-bags and a peaceful life. 

He turned now to his niece, all his anxiety 
showing in an ugly snarl. 

Let Phebe care for that dog. You leave 
him alone atid go to bed.” 


80 


AT THE SIGN OF 


The girl lifted her head proudly. will 
do what I think best,'' she said slowly. 

^^You will not connive in any way at 
his escape ? By Heavens ! if I thought you 
would — ” • 

Perhaps you would treat me as you have 
him. I can bear it. You see I already carry 
your brand,” and she held her arm toward 
him, her black eyes flashing. 

Nina, I never meant that for you, and 
you know it. That is a good girl; go 
to bed. Why, Nina, you wouldn’t turn 
against your own uncle, and perhaps work 
his ruin?” 

I cannot see, uncle, how such a little boy 
can be so dangerous,” she began, when Tom 
Cobb, coming out of the room where he had 
left Lawrence, laid his hand on the Doctor’s 
arm. 

^^Let her go to the boy; he needs her. 
Come, Doctor, let’s find Bill. This is a pretty 
night’s work.” Then, as the Doctor yielded, 
Tom Cobb turned to the girl, and giving her 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


81 


a gentle push toward the room he had left, 
whispered, — 

Go quick ! and give him brandy ; do you 
hear? brandy — a stiff dose.” 


82 


AT THE SIGN OP 


CHAPTER IX. 

Now Lawrence was not hurt so badly as 
Tom Cobb feared and Nina dreaded. He bad 
only really lost consciousness for a moment. 
The contact of Nina’s warm arms, her tears, 
and cry of pained solicitude had roused him 
just as he felt himself going into the darkness 
he fancied was death. For Lawrence had 
never fainted in all his healthy life. More- 
over, he was sturdy and strong for his years, 
and had sustained many hard blows, although 
none so hard as those inflicted upon him 
to-night. He was aching in every limb, and 
his head was a confusion of noises and sharp 
pains, and he did not want to move hand or 
foot. So he yielded to the languid stupor 
that seemed upon him, and let his head fall 
back on the pillow, and kept his eyes closed, 
while his face was very white, save where 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


83 


two cruel blows had left their red lash from 
brow to chin. 

Nina found Aunt Phebe wringing her 
hands and crying over him, her old mother 
heart touched with pity; but Nina, startled 
by Tom Cobb’s whisper, was quick to act. 

She loosened the shirt from around his 
neck with gentle fingers, and commenced 
smoothing his temples. 

Aunt Phebe, bring me water, quick ! — 
then some brandy ! ” she commanded ; and 
her voice was like music to poor Lawrence, 
although he did not understand a word she 
said. 

Law sakes, whar’ kin I git any brandy. 
Miss Niner ? ” 

Go at once and ask my uncle for some ! ” 

Wouldn’t dar’ do it, miss; not if you 
shot me fur it. De Doctor ain’t a gwine 
to—” 

Go down stairs and bring me the wine in 
the decanter then. Uncle left some at dinner. 
Qo — go — go — !” and the girl stamped her 


84 


AT THE SIGN OF 


foot impatiently, and then turned once more 
to Larry. She lifted his head to her shoulder, 
and brushed the hair from his forehead, lay- 
ing her warm cheek a moment against his 
face, and murmuring soothingly, as to a little 
child, — 

Poor boy, poor little boy ! And so like 
George. The same yellow hair — why doesn’t 
she hurry ? — I wonder who he is — he does 
not move or speak ^ — oh dear, oh dear ! ” As 
she gave a sigh that was almost a sob, she 
pressed her lips to Lawrence’s forehead. Then 
Lawrence slowly opened his eyes and looked 
at her, and thought that in all his life he had 
never seen any one so beautiful. But Nina 
hastily laid him back on the pillow, and her 
colour rose, as she said almost timidly, — 

^^Do you feel better ? ” 

“Who are you?” asked Lawrence, in a 
feeble tone, but wishing she would come 
nearer, for his sight still seemed to waver. 

“ I am Nina Burtell. I am so sorry you 
were hurt so.” 



it 


V 


LAWRENCE SLOWLY OPENED HIS EYES AND LOOKED AT HER. 




THE WHITE SWAN. 


87 


“ Where am I ? ” 

In Dr. Graddee’s house. Don’t you re- 
member ? I do not know what it is you have 
done. I am afraid you have done something 
very wrong, or uncle would not feel as he 
does.” 

Lawrence closed his eyes again and groped 
for his faculties. All that came back to him 
under the glamour of this girl’s clear, sweet 
gaze was his own unworthiness, and he said 
softly, — 

I lied to try and save myself. I never 
told a lie like that before.” 

There ! never mind. You can tell my 
uncle that, and he will forgive you, I know. 
But — I — am sorry you did it. You look 
like such a nice boy, and remind me so of my 
brother.” 

Who is your brother?” asked Lawrence, 
vaguely conscious of some blunder one or the 
other of them had made. 

My brother ’ is — dead,” returned Nina, 
softly. He was just as old as you are, I am 


88 


AT THE SIGN OF 


sure. But George would never have told a 
lie to save himself or any one. He was iny 
darling — all I had left/’ and her voice fal- 
tered, while Lawrence got himself so hope- 
lessly entangled with George’s identity, that 
he began to wonder if his senses had become 
addled by the Doctor’s beating, and the very 
thought gave such a twist to his dull wits, that 
he began to think in his old way again, and 
was about to speak, explaining his confession, 
when Aunt Phebe appeared with the decanter 
and a glass. Nina took it from her, and 
pouring a little of the liquor in the glass, 
held it resolutely to Lawrence’s lips, although 
he made a protesting gesture. 

Oh, you must take it; Mr. Cobb said so. 
You are very weak.” 

And Lawrence would not have been human 
to withstand her pleading tone. He tried to 
swallow the dose, choked, sputtered, and in 
the few gasping moments of his first encounter 
with pure whiskey entirely recovered his lost 
wits and general balance ; for he sprang from 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


89 


the bed, and stood coughing and clinging to 
the bedpost, until the tears ran down his 
face. 

Good land ! ” he ejaculated, as soon as he 
could speak, and sitting down on the side of 
the bed. What did you give me ? it felt 
like fire, and I can feel it way down here,” 
clasping his hands over his stomach patheti- 
cally. 

I thought it was wine,” said Nina. 

It’s whiskey, dat’s what it am,” said Aunt 
Phebe, with dignity. Don’ you chiluns 
know no more dan dat ? Miss Niner said she 
wanted brandy, an’ as I couldn’t fetch dat, I 
fetched de next best ting.” 

Whew ! ” panted Lawrence, leaning against 
the post still ; it was ^ fire-water,’ sure ! I 
feel better, anyhow, and suppose I should 
thank you.” 

And then the young people looked keenly 
at one another, and Nina blushed again to see 
how well grown and handsome her little 
hoy ” looked, despite his pale cheeks and the 


90 


AT THE SIGN OF 


red stripes across his face. Then she said 
gently, I hope you will tell my uncle now 
that you are sorry for your lie.” 

He knows that already,” said Lawrence,- 
griinly, and wondering if his knees would 
ever feel as if he could run again. 

Then why — why — did he — ” 

Beat me ? it was because I told him the 
truth, like a fool, instead of waiting until I 
had run away.” 

But you said — ” 

Oh ! ” said Lawrence, blushing in his turn. 

I was a coward first, and I did not tell him 
the truth about myself. I do not often lie, 
but I did then, and I was sorry a minute after, 
and took it all back.” 

But what did you do to make my uncle 
so angry ? ” 

told him I knew that he robbed the 
mails nearly every week — ” 

Hush ! ” Nina’s hand was on his lips, 
her eyes blazing straight into his ; how dare 
you ? ” 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


91 


Lawrence took the hand and held it fast, 
while he said, looking into her lovely face. 

Do you think I would lie again and to you f 
It is true.” 

She drew her hand away, and said hur- 
riedly to Aunt Phebe, — 

Go down stairs, Aunt Phebe. Take the 
decanter back. Close the door after you, 
tiylity Then as the old black woman obeyed 
grumblingly, Nina stood against the door as 
if she feared some one would enter. 

Tell me quickly what you mean. You 
look like an honest boy. I have not been 
here long — I never saw my uncle until I 
came here. This cannot be true.” 

‘‘It is true, and that is why I am here,” 
and in a hurried tone, and with few words to 
soften the effect, Lawrence told her all he had 
heard and seen ; and as he repeated to her 
more than he had to any one since he had 
learned so much, it all came out in a clearer 
light to him than it ever had before. He saw 
what a strong witness he was against the 


92 


AT THE SIGN OF 


Doctor and his associates, and an equally 
strong conviction of his own danger assailed 
him. Nina heard him in silence, then she 
hid her face in her hands and did not speak, 
and Lawrence knew she believed him. 

I know I have done wrong to have led this 
frolic to-night,” Lawrence continued, with a 
manly humility that was very becoming. I 
was very foolish to keep all I knew to myself. 
I must get away from here to-night if I can. 
I am wasting time now, but I feel as though I 
could hardly walk.” He paused when, to his 
dismay, he saw that Nina was weeping. 

What shall I do ? — what shall I do ? I 
know what you have told me is true. I once 
saw the mail-bags brought into the hall. I 
could not understand it. Oh ! if I could go 
with you.” 

You could go to my mother to-morrow,” 
said Lawrence, kindly ; she will be glad to 
have you. Do not tell any one else what I 
have told you, whatever you do. And oh, if 
you see my mother, and — and — I — never — 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


93 


see her again ! ” Larry stopped to swallow 
very hard, then suddenly leaned his face on 
his arm, and did not look up again until he 
felt Nina close beside him. 

I will go to her to-night if you say so.. I 
am not afraid of the dark. I can get out — ” 
But the doors are barred, front and back. 
There was only the one way through the coal- 
hole, where Bill Purnell got in.” 

But I heard the big hall door open and 
close since you were speaking. Shall I go ? 
I can tell them you are here and — ” 

Do you know you will be betraying the 
Doctor ? ” 

Oh ! ” The exclamation was a cry of an- 
guish. Was there ever a girl so miserable ? 
Tell me what can I do ! ” 

Wait,” said Lawrence, wearily, and striv- 
ing to gather energy and strength enough to 
think for himself, putting aside this girl, who 
appealed to him as if he was the elder and 
most reliable in judgment. As they stood 
looking drearily at one another. Aunt Phebe 


94 


AT THE SIGN OF 


returned. There was a scared look in the old 
darky’s face, but she carried a tray quite 
steadily, upon which were two glasses. The 
Doctor was just behind her. He had recov- 
ered his old manner. His polite tone struck 
coldly upon the ears of the young people, and 
they started as if guilty. 

Nina, my child, it is very late, and you 
have had enough excitement for one night. 
So I think has young Carothers. I simply 
insist upon retaining him as my prisoner until 
morning. I have here refreshment for you 
both. It is something that will calm you, 
and make you sleep pleasantly. You had 
better retire at once, Nina. Mr. Carothers 
will occupy this room to-night.” So saying, 
the Doctor gave each of them a glass, and 
watched them as with difficulty they hastily 
drank what was really a pleasant concoction. 
Nina put her glass down, half filled. 

Good-bye, if I do not see you again,” she 
said, and Lawrence clasped her hand warmly, 
longing to say more, but not venturing more 


THE WHITE SWAK. 


95 


than an answering glance of sympathy to the 
sorrow in her eyes. 

Now, Mr. Carothers, I shall lock you in 
this room. I trust you will rest well. In the 
morning I am sure you will see how foolish 
and without grounds your suspicions have 
been. Good-night.” 

Lawrence heard the key turn in the door, 
with mingled feelings of relief and anxiety. 
He was glad to be left to think alone. He 
felt strangely desolate and lonely, but tlie 
young girl’s evident grief unnerved him. He 
could not think in her presence. Now — but 
his thoughts trailed off in a strange way, 
every time he began to go over his own des- 
perate case. He would bring himself up 
dreamily, remembering only Nina’s soft hand 
on his forehead ; or think that his mother had 
kissed him just where Nina’s lips had pressed. 
He had been sitting on the bed, and now felt 
himself slip down across it, both arms over his 
head. He tried to sit up once more, and re- 
member he was to go down stairs to the cellar 


/ 


96 AT THE SIGN OF 

— no — he was to try to get from the win- 
dow — but he could not leave Nina — pretty 
Nina — with lier sweet sad eyes — 

Lawrence was in a dead slumber, and no 
power save one could move him. That power 
came at midnight. Bill Purnell and the Doc- 
tor softly entered the room and, raising the 
sleeping boy in their arms, bore him down the 
stairway. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


97 


CHAPTER X. 

Lawrence never knew until a long while 
afterward just how long he did sleep. He 
thought he felt the cold air on his face, and 
then he was running with all his speed across 
the green fields toward his mother’s cottage. 
He seemed to have left the White Swan a long 
way behind him, but his face was still smart- 
ing under the blows of Dr. Graddee’s whip, 
and he still felt as if pursued by its relentless 
lash. Besides, there was ringing in his ears 
the threat of Dr. Graddee to arrest and pros- 
ecute the whole party for trespass. 

He longed to see his mother, the dear sweet 
mother, who, no matter how unruly he had 
been, was always waiting at home to greet 
him, perhaps with a fond reproach, but 
always v/ith forgiveness. And then there 
was Edwin. How ungrateful he had shown 
himself to Edwin! As he sped along, such 


98 


AT THE SIGN OF 


remorse assailed him, that he longed to fly 
instead of running. When, as he approached 
the cottage, he saw, instead of his mother at 
the gate, Nina Burtell, and she raised her 
hand in warning; Lawrence stopped, gazing 
at her in surprise. 

^^Why, Nina!” he said; but she shook her 
head sadly. ‘^You must not come in,” she 
said ; it would break her heart iioio. ^You 
have no right to the home, or to your old 
place in her affection. You do not want to 
kill her outright, do you? ” 

What do you mean?” cried Lawrence. 
“ What have I done ? I know I’ve been foolish, 
and she has been anxious about me, but — ” 

0 Lawrence, Lawrence, why did you do 
it? when you saw the mail-bags brought in, 
why need you pry into them ? It was no 
affair of yours, and now all the evidence is 
against you.” 

1 did not touch the mail-bags, and you 
know it, Nina Burtell. Does my mother 
think me a thief ? ” 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


99 


We do not know what to think. No/’ as 
Lawrence strove to push past her, you cannot 
come in.” 

But I loill,'' cried Lawrence, and laid 
hold of her with strong hands, when she 
cried out, and he fell back, ashamed to have 
hurt a girl. Then he saw his cousin, Alice 
Tremont, come from the cottage, and she put 
her arm about Nina, and while Nina wept on 
Alice’s shoulder, Alice turned in indignation 
to him and said, — 

“ Go away, Lawrence Carothers, and leave 
the poor women you have served so wretch- 
edly to comfort one another. You might 
have saved my marrying Bill Purnell, had 
you done your duty. I want never to see 
your face again ! ” 

He watched them return to the house, 
stunned by all he had heard ; then he walked 
slowly back toward the town. What was in 
store for him there ? What had he done ? 
Who had robbed the mail ? 

He walked listlessly now, and hung his 


100 


AT THE SIGN OF 


head. Even his mother had forsaken him. 
It all looked dark and strange. His head 
ached and throbbed, and he felt the stripes 
across his face like hot iron. And when he 
reached the White Swan, some one whom he 
did not know stepped up to him and arrested 
him, slipping handcuffs over his wrists. And 
he saw Tom Cobb and Dr. Graddee laughing, 
while Bill Purnell made a pretence of believ- 
ing him innocent ; and all the town seemed 
gathered about the White Swan to see him 
in his shame. Then he saw Edwin Leigh 
walking with eyes averted and a pale, down- 
cast countenance. And he cried out to Ed- 
win, — 

Tell them I am innocent. This is a false 
accusation. You know, Ned, I could not have 
done this thing ! ” 

And then Ned turned, and before them 
all cried out : You are a traitor to your 

friends, a thief and a liar, and as such, I deal 
this blow.” And he struck him across the 
poor, bruised face. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


101 


Then a veil of utter misery seemed to en- 
compass Lawrence, and he felt he must have 
been all Edwin had said, else Edwin, of all 
others, would not have turned against him. 

Nothing surprised him now. He went to 
jail with the man who arrested him and 
awaited the trial in silent apathy. No one 
came to see him, until one day they said he 
was to go forth. His mother needed him ; 
and two men took him to the little cottage. 
He noticed the flowers were all withered and 
dead in the door-yard. Alice Tremont was 
within the cottage, and she wept when she 
saw him, and led him to his own little room, 
where, in his small, white bed, he had 
dreamed away so many nights. And lying 
on his bed was his mother, — a thin, white, 
dying mother, with closed eyes and fast-ebb- 
ing breath. And when he flung himself, with 
a cry, beside her, she did not move or speak, 
and while he implored for one word or sign 
of recognition, and sobbed aloud in his grief, 
he knew she breathed her last and he should 


102 


AT THE SIGN OF 


never hear her speak again. Then as he 
prayed to God, as he never had prayed be- 
fore, he saw Nina Burtell at the other side of 
the bed, and she said solemnly, — 

It has been your conduct that has killed 
her. Leave her now to the peace of death.’' 

And then he raved in his grief, and clung 
to his mother; and when they strove to lift 
him, he struck out wildly and — splash! a 
cold dash of water struck his hand and sent 
some small drops over his face. He awoke 
with a cry of pain, to find himself in total 
darkness, his head ringing and confused, and 
his hand wet with water from a small pud- 
dle beside which he seemed to be lying. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


103 


CHAPTER XL 

Lawrence’s first feeling was one of great 
relief that all he had undergone was but a 
dream. But so impressive was the detail of 
his vision that he raised himself quickly 
on his elbow, to disperse all the reality that 
remained by giving himself the traditional 
pinch of recognition. But a cry of genuine 
pain escaped him, for he found himself stiff 
and sore in every joint. Where could he be ? 
And how dark, how very dark, it seemed ! He 
sat peering about him in a miserable, hope- 
less way, wondering how he came there, and 
trying to gather his scattered faculties to- 
gether, when, his eyes growing accustomed to 
the gloom, he descried a faint gleam of light, 
close to the ground of what he felt to be his 
prison. Crawling thither, he went through 
two pools of shallow water, and then laid his 


104 


AT THE SIGN OF 


eye to the crack of lights lying flat on his 
stomach to do so. 

The glimpse he got of the scene without, 
and of the blessed light of day, served to send 
the blood bounding through his veins and re- 
store his dazed senses. 

He looked out on a field of stubble, beyond 
which was a forest of noble trees. It must be 
very late in the afternoon, for the sun was 
making long shadows across the field, and oh ! 
blessed sound, Lawrence could hear a distinct 
low of cows going homeward. Was there 
ever sweeter music ? At the limited vision 
and the dear home sound of peace, Lawrence 
gave a quick sob. 

Then he sat up in his dark prison, and told 
himself it was no time for girlish tears. He 
must try and help himself out of this last 
scrape, into which, he now remembered. Dr. 
Graddee and his friends must have placed 
him. What was their idea ? To get rid 
of him by starvation, or to gain time for 
escape while he was confined in this old cel- 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


105 


lar ? For Larry knew just where he was now, 
and knew that there was little chance of help 
or relief from outside, and that all depended 
on his own feeble efforts. He knew he was 
in the ruins of an old house, about a mile 
from Benton, and on a creek, and that the 
house was said to be haunted. The creek 
had to be crossed on a plank, a few inches 
wide, in order to reach the old ruin, the cel- 
lar of which still stood, and was as impene- 
trable as a fortress. Lawrence decided, after 
one more long gaze from the small post-crack, 
— for one could not call it a hole, — that he 
was in the most remote corner, and that a 
door, probably barred securely on the outside, 
was on the opposite wall. 

How came he there ? He puzzled over this 
for some time in a dull way, then remembered 
the delightful drink Dr. Graddee had given 
him, and his subsequent drowsiness. Had he 
really been drunk f Lawrence blushed to his 
forehead at the thought ; for he had seen too 
many men besotted in this manner to have 


106 


AT THE SIGN OF 


any other than a hearty loathing for the 
habit and its consequences. He did not stop 
to calculate that even were he dead drunk, he 
would hardly ha.ve slept so long. Then he 
set his teeth in sudden impatience, as he tried 
to calculate the time he had wasted. Why! 
according to those shadows it was already the 
evening of the next day. And on that day 
he had intended to do so much. He had 
fully purposed warning his cousin again not 
to make her projected trip over the mountain 
by stage. Now the thought of his helpless- 
ness in the matter, together with the memory 
of that dream, filled him with anxiety. It 
hardly seemed likely that Bill Purnell would 
carry his plan into action under the circum- 
stances; for Lawrence felt that Dr. Graddee 
and his companions were thoroughly startled, 
or they would not have resorted to such 
measures with him. 

Lawrence was very hungry. He had eaten 
a hearty supper, but nearly twenty-four hours 
had elapsed since then, and he felt as if it 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


107 


might have been a week since he had tasted 
food. He resolved to feel his way about the 
cellar, and try to find if there was a door any- 
where. As he did so, his hands against the 
stone wall, and moving cautiously, something 
whirred past him, once, thrice, then clutched 
in his hair. Lawrence gave a cry, and his 
heart made a quick leap into his throat, for 
he thought of the ghost said to haunt the 
place. Then he made a grasp at the object 
in his hair, and, after a sharp struggle, knew 
he had killed a bat. His hand was bitten in 
the encounter, and he had torn out a great 
handful of hair; but the excitement of a 
wrestle with something alive had roused his 
spirits. It set him to thinking, too, that if 
Mr. Bat got into the cellar, it had not always 
been like a sealed tomb. The door must have 
stood open, to admit the bat, and only human 
hands had braced the egress. He wondered 
if there would be any more of Mr. Bat’s fam- 
ily to engage in battle, but sucked his finger 
and earnestly hoped that his late antagonist 


108 


AT THE SIGN OF 


might be a bachelor. He finally concluded 
not to seek the door yet, but to go back to 
his old crack in the foundation wall, and see 
if he could not dig under the wall ; for it was 
soft, damp dirt he had lain in, and perhaps he 
might burrow his way to an escape. Finding 
the little gleam of daylight once more, he was 
delighted to see that it came where one large 
stone bridged two smaller ones, and the dirt 
lay under it in such a manner that, although 
it might take a long time, he had a fair hope 
of digging his way out. He plunged his hand 
in his pocket after his good jackknife, when, 
to his dismay, he found his pocket empty of 
all save a bunch of hard matter, foreign to 
him. He eagerly drew it forth, thinking for 
a moment it might be edible ; but, as near as 
he could tell in the darkness, it was three or 
four keys. Where did he get them ? and how 
came they in his pocket ? He searched the 
other pocket, to find no jackknife, but his 
little knit purse Alice had made him, filled 
with silver. He fingered the contents in 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


109 


curiosity and amazement, counting as well as 
he could the shillings, or levies,” as they 
were then called in Pennsylvania, and the 
Mexican dollars, and remembering that he 
only had what he termed a fip ” (sixpence) 
in his little purse when he left home. But 
the loss of his jackknife soon overcame his 
wonder, and he once more sank down by the 
rift of light, in a hopeless way, his hands 
involuntarily seeking his aching stomach. 
Suddenly he sat up, and took oE one of his 
boots. They were fine top-boots, as Jerry 
Dide had remarked, and were very stout and 
strong. Lawrence worked away with both 
hands, using the boot-toe as a lever and shovel 
in the dirt. Sometimes he succeeded in tear- 
ing away great quantities with his hands, and 
he worked desperately, the perspiration start- 
ing on his forehead, and his head growing 
dizzy with the exertion. He had to stop and 
rest very often, and he felt so discouraged 
that he was more than once tempted to give 
it all up. But the memory of Alice’s face in 


110 


AT THE SIGN OF 


his dream, her reproachful words, and all his 
escape might mean for the girl, urged him to 
try once more. In truth, he had good reason 
to think that his idle mischief in signing 
Edwin’s name to the note might lead Alice 
to let the warning pass unheeded, for Law- 
rence had guessed that Edwin and Alice had 
met and quarrelled after Alice’s encounter 
with Purnell. Lawrence had always intended 
to see Alice, to insist upon her obeying the 
note, and, if need be, confess his piece of teas- 
ing mischief. The hole under the wall was 
growing larger. Already, by lying down, he 
could see more of the beautiful landscape, 
over which twilight was fast cree^ung now. 
Oh ! if he had but a piece of wood, or even a 
loose stone, to make a sharper edge for the 
work. He went carefully about the cellar, 
thankful to find no more companions of the 
Bat family, and finally discovered the sharp 
edge of a hard substance sticking between 
the stones of the wall. It felt like a sharp 
stone, and it moved a little under his hand. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


Ill 


Cheered and eager, Lawrence worked dili- 
gently at the object, now loosening it this 
way, now that. It grew looser every mo- 
ment, when it suddenly gave way and Jay in 
his hand. With an exclamation of delight, 
Lawrence hurried back to the light, stepping 
into the pools of water in his stocking-foot; 
for he had not replaced his boot, still prefer- 
ring to use it as a shovel. He knelt, eager 
to use his last longed-for tool, when he saw 
it was only a piece of hardened mortar. For 
a while it seemed to work well, but soon 
crumbled at the edge, and gave way under 
the pressure of the damp soil. But Law- 
rence now found he had made greater head- 
way than he thought. If it took him hours 
to get out, it would be little less than marvel- 
lous, and he thought, with some pride, not 
unlike prisoners he had read about, who had 
wrought their own release. But oh! were 
they as faint and hungry as he ? Yes ; and 
much worse off than he had ever been ; for he 
had his hands free at least, and had not to 


112 


AT THE SIGN OF 


file his chains before being able to work. 
With this cold comfort hugged to his bosom, 
Lawrence started once more to work, and this 
time to such a good effect that his shoulder 
and arm could be thrust out the aperture with 
an effort ; but as yet he dared not try to draw 
the rest of his body through, for he dreaded 
getting wedged. He was resting, with his 
face at the hole, when he saw something that 
filled him with joy. It was like the sight of 
a sail to a seaman lost on the ocean. It was 
the most delightful scene Lawrence had ever 
witnessed. It was no other than Silas Ginn 
driving two or three cows to pasture for the 
night. 

Throwing his arm out the hole, Lawrence 
waved his hand wildly, forgetful how close 
to the ground he was, and sent a long yell of 
greeting through the still evening air. He 
was too weary, too delighted, to control the 
shrill call of friendliness, and it smote the 
honest Silas’ ears like an unearthly cry for 
help. He stood still a moment, listening. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


113 


Once again it burst forth despairingly, eagerly ; 
then Silas kne^v it issued from the haunted 
house, and without a word, turned and fled 
toward home and safety. 


114 


AT THE SIGN OF 


CHAPTER XII. 

When Lawrence saw Silas turn and flee 
as from some awful peril, he first stared in 
utter amazement, which quickly turned to 
anger, and then Lawrence indulged in what 
he always omitted to mention in relating the 
adventure, and secretly attributed to his weak 
and hungry condition. He wept aloud, dig- 
ging his hands into the dank earth, and 
writhing in his anguish. Every sob seemed 
as if it would burst his heart, and he felt 
so utterly forsaken and miserable, he cried 
out that he might as well die, since no one 
cared enough to hunt for him. It came over 
him in a miserable, dull way, that it was 
strange no one had noticed his disappearance. 
Yet he had warned his mother not to be anx- 
ious about him; and who else was there to 
miss him ? 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


115 


At the very thought of his mother his hard 
sobs burst forth anew, and he hid his face, mur- 
muring her name. Then, as he grew quieter, 
he remembered that in all his hour of trial 
he had never thought of praying. He knew 
when he had been especially unruly, nothing 
so moved him, or took his foolish pride by 
storm, as to have his mother come gently to 
his room, and as he lay in bed, still with ugly 
thoughts rousing an army of envy and un- 
kindness in his heart, she would kneel beside 
him, and pray silently. It made Lawrence 
glad now to remember how often he had put 
his arms around her as she knelt, and begged 
forgiveness, and fallen asleep with her loving 
kiss on lip and brow. Ah ! boys, boys of 
1840 or 1890, let your memories of such 
moments bring only tenderness. Think with 
no shame of such an hour, be ye grey-haired 
men, for you will never have but one mother. 

I never meant to hurt you, mother, dear 
mother,” sobbed poor Lawrence. know 
I’ve been wilful and thoughtless.” 


116 


AT THE SIGN OF 


And then he pressed his hands hard over 
his eyes, and tried to think of some words 
with which to pray, but all that came were 
uttered in a trembling whisper, — 

Dear Father in heaven, I am not good; 
but I am sorry, very sorry. Let me go back 
to my mother — and — and — I’ll try again.” 

Ah, Lawrence, there was more honest cour- 
age in that prayer than in a thousand cou- 
rageous deeds ; no promise, only the brave 
resolution to try ” once more. And let no 
one doubt the good God heard and understood 
him. 

He lay very quiet after this, it seemed to 
him, for a long time. He could not bring 
himself to resume his work, although he knew 
the time was drawing near when all chance 
of saving Alice a disagreeable adventure would 
be over. 

He finally sat up and drew on his boot, 
when he heard a little sound like a light foot- 
fall without. Again the ghost that haunted 
the premises flashed upon his memory. He 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


117 


sat very still, listening. Then he heard his 
name called softly. The ghost would hardly, 
be so familiar on such a brief acquaintance, 
even if he had been sure of the sex, for this 
sounded like a woman’s voice. 

Lawrence! Larry !” the tone was eager, 
yet half timid, as if a little doubtful of being 
right, and certainly Lawrence did not recog- 
nise the voice. 

I am here,” he said softly. Who is it 
calls me ? ” 

His voice in turn was hoarse, and evidently 
did not carry well. 

Lawrence ! Lawrence 1 oh, if he should 
die of hunger ! Lawrence ! Larry — ” 
Lawrence knew who it was now. That 
little prolonged exclamation of distress had 
told him all. He felt once more her tears on 
his face, and remembered the touch of her 
light hand on his hair. 

Nina — Nina — oh, Nina — ” he called 
rapturously, laying his face close to the open- 
ing, and reaching out his hand. 


118 


AT THE SIGN OF 


She was close to the wall in a moment, 
putting her warm little hand in his, and half 
sobbing with excitement and gladness. 

Oh ! my poor boy, I am so glad — so glad 
to find you. I couldn’t come before. They 
set Aunt Phebe to watch me. I knew they 
meant mischief last night. And 1 watched 
them take you away, and followed them until 
I saw they meant to come here. No — no 

— you must not kiss my hands ; it was noth- 
ing, nothing, to do, when they had treated 
you so cruelly. Both my hands ? well there 

— oh ! poor child, how you must have suf- 
fered ! ” 

For Lawrence, in a sudden reaction from 
the long strain of suspense and loneliness, was 
holding both her hands to his face, kissing and 
fondling them, as if their warm life was the- 
only thing necessary to him. He had only 
spoken once. Now Nina bent down closer to 
the wall. 

Lawrence, are you not hungry ? ” 

“Yes — very, very hungry. But no matter ; 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


119 


you are here. You won’t go away again, 
Nina, or I shall die here alone,” returned the 
boy, clinging to her hands so tightly that 
Nina with difficulty repressed a cry. 

I will not go away until I have helped 
you get out. But let go of my hands, while 
1 get you the food I brought. It was all I 
could find, as 1 ran through the house. Aunt 
Phebe went to sleep, and I ran — oh ! how I 
ran. Here, dear, and here, eat it — quick ! ” 
Oh, how good it tasted ! No meal Law- 
rence ever ate afterward, from gilt-edged china 
and damask cloth, had the relish that that 
brown bread, cheese, and cold meat had for 
him, as he sat in the gloom of the cellar and 
devoured it. Every mouthful seemed to add 
to his strength, and he scorned his foolish 
tears as he swallowed the last crumb. Only 
one moment of his weakness he never grew 
ashamed to acknowledge, for he knew in that 
he had found a better strength than his own. 
He always believed that Nina was the answer 
to his prayer. 


120 


AT THE SIGN OF 


No matter if she loas on the way, she 
might never had reached me,” he said stoutly, 
if any one parleyed over this belief of his. 

Now Nina passed a bottle to him with a 
glass. 

Drink some of this,” she said ; I know 
you need it. You must he weak from fast- 

• 5 J 

mg. 

What is it ? — wine ? I do not want it. 
I’ll never touch another drop of it, Nina, as 
long as I live. Can’t you get me some water 
— or, oh, Nina, a glass of milk.” 

But I have not got any, Lawrence. I 
had to hurry so. The wine won’t hurt 
you.” 

I don’t want it, but I am as dry as a 
bone. Nina,” eagerly, don’t you see those 
cows Sila*s Ginn was driving? We can milk 
one ; I mean you can. One glass of milk 
would give me more strength than three 
bottles of wine. That is a good girl.” 

Poor Nina stood irresolute. City-bred, she 
had never been so near a cow in her life. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


121 


Moreover^ she was very niucli afraid of 
them. 

Lawrence, I — I cannot do it. I — I — 
never milked a cow,” she said, glad that the 
boy could not see her face. 

Oh, it is not hard,” said Lawrence, whose 
thirst increased every moment. You just 
say, Svhoa, Sukey, stand still,’ and she will 
not move. Try it, won’t you, Nina ? I am 
so thirsty, and there is no water nearer than 
the spring at the cross-road.” 

The creek!” suggested Nina. 

Water isn’t fit to drink.” 

But, Lawrence,” said the girl, after a 
pause, and speaking shamefacedly, 1 am 
afraid of the cow.” 

Oh 1 ” It was all she heard for some time, 
for Lawrence was pondering on the incom- 
' prehensible traits of womankind. Here this 
girl of eighteen had followed those men ; 
had come way out to this haunted house 
after dark to give him aid ; had braved Dr. 
Graddee’s wrath, and defied him, as Law- 


122 


AT THE SIGN OF 


rence knew. And yet she was afraid of a 
cow ! 

Never mind/’ he said, and there was a 
disappointed tone in his voice. I can get 
along without. I feel better already. Will 
you see if you can find a door, Nina?” 

Lawrence, I will go to the spring. Just 
tell me where it is. I am so sorry about — 
about — the old cow. I wish I wasn’t afraid.” 

^^No; go and see if you can find a door, 
and open it when you do find it. If you had 
only brought a spade, I should soon go out 
this way.” 

‘‘Wait until I come back. It is growing 
so dark. Give me the glass.” 

“Just get a little water from the creek, 
Nina. It will do.” 

Ife reached the glass to her, finding it hard 
to let her get out of sight and hearing again. 
It seemed to him that she was gone a long 
time. AVhen she came back she handed him 
a glass of cool, sparkling water. 

“ I ran all the way,” she panted, as she 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


123 


sank down by the wall. It is getting very 
dark, and, oil, Lawrence, the door is on the 
far side, and barred with iron and locked with 
a padlock.” 

Then Lawrence knew that Dr. Graddee and 
Purnell had used the very bar to confine him 
that the blacksmith had brought to bar the 
Doctor’s doors. But the clear, sweet spring 
water and the luncheon had given him new 
courage and energy. He explained to Nina 
how eager he was to get out before the stage 
started, and of the plan he had heard talked 
over by Dr. Graddee and Tom Cobb. 

If you could find me a piece of board, or 
anything sharp, I feel as if I could dig my 
way out in an hour or less. The stage will 
not go out until eight o’clock. It reaches 
Snyders’ at ten, and if Bill Purnell should try 
and make Alice think the stage overhauled 
by robbers, he would be up to his trick just 
after the stage leaves Snyders’.” 

How dreadful ! poor girl ! I have seen 
her, and she is so pretty.” 


124 


AT THE SIGN OF 


you think so ? ” said Lawrence, indif- 
ferently; so does Ned Leigh. Alice is a 
good little thing, but not much to look at.” 

I will go at once,” said Nina. I am 
sure I can find something to dig with.” 

She hurried away, and Lawrence never 
knew how frightened she was at the fast- 
approaching darkness of night, as she hunted 
about the old ruin, and finally found a rusty 
spade with no handle. It was lying on one 
of the old porches, and she stumbled over it, 
hurting her slender ankle grievously, and she 
had to sit down a moment and cry with pain 
before she could go back to Larry. 

She limped painfully back to him, not reply- 
ing to his cry of delight at the implement she 
had found. Lawrence set to work with a 
will. It all looked so easy to him now, de- 
liverance, and the opportunity to still outwit 
Purnell, and show them it took more than 
iron bars to overreach an honest lad who 
scorned their knavery. 

The dirt flew from under the old spade all 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


125 


the better for its lost handle, since it was such 
a cramped place he had to dig in, and soon he 
saw that his head and shoulders would push 
through the hole, and after a long, strong pull 
and struggle he drew himself through his 
hard-earned burrow, and sprang to his feet, in 
the cool, dewy night, the fresh air falling like 
balm on his warm face. It was with diffi- 
culty that he repressed a cheer of delight, 
but then he had time to think of Nina. She 
was sitting on the ground, not speaking, 
scarcely moving, her lips compressed and her 
face white. The dusk hid her expression 
from Larry, however, and the brave girl, who 
feared a cow, was determined not to complain 
of the agony her ankle was giving her. 

Oh, it is so good to be free ! Now just 
stay here a moment, Nina, and I’ll have a 
drink of milk, or my name is not Larry.” 

And so saying, Lawrence sprang toward 
the meadow, where the unsuspicious cows 
grazed, and Nina strained her eyes to follow 
his movements. 


126 


AT THE SIGN OF 


He returned in a short time, looking satis- 
fied and refreshed. 

Old Sukey had been milked, but I got 
enough to make me feel as if I’d dined like 
an alderman. Now, Nina, I must make quick 
time to the White Swan, or I shall not catch 
the coach.” 

Lawrence, — your poor face,” began Nina, 
appealingly. 

To be sure. I will go down to the creek 
and bath the dirt ofi of me, but I grudge every 
moment now.” When he came back the sec- 
ond time, he looked much more like the lad 
she had first seen. He had tried to brush his 
hair and smooth his clothes, and, despite the 
disfiguring stripes, Nina thought him quite 
pleasant to look upon. 

She rose, with an attempt to conceal her 
lameness, and they started together, Larry 
striding a little in advance. But he soon saw 
her limping gait. 

^Wou are hurt,” he said briefly, taking her 


arm. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


127 


‘‘No — just a little trip I made a while ago 
hurt my ankle. It is nothing,” said Nina, 
trying to walk more quickly. 

She kept up the deception for some time, 
but waxed slower and slower. When they 
came to cross the creek on the plank, she 
said, — 

“ I cannot go across on that board.” 

“ But you came over on it,” said Lawrence. 

“Yes, but I — only thought of you, and 
that I must do it. I cannot do it now.” 

“ Can’t you think of me again ? ” asked 
Lawrence, with no sense of the humour of the 
suggestion. “ I want to go on, and I cannot 
leave you here. Don’t be silly, Nina.” 

And the girl, who had determined to make 
this an excuse for his leaving her, rather than 
own her real trouble, managed to get over ; but 
Lawrence felt that she was growing ever 
more heavy in leaning on him, and impatient 
as he was, he could not leave her, nor could 
he understand her suffering, she kept so quiet 
and plodded on so persistently. 


128 


AT THE SIGN OF 


“ Hark, Nina,” he said, isn’t that the horn 
of the stage, below town ?” 

Both listened, and the sweet high note of 
the horn was borne on the air. Lawrence 
started forward hurriedly at the sound, then 
checked himself. 

Does your ankle pain you very much noio, 
Nina?” 

‘‘I feel as if I could hardly step. But I 
can, oh ! I can. Let us hurry! ” 

Let me carry you, Nina.” 

You, Lawrence ? Oh ! I am so heavy.” 

You are not, and I could run then.” 

No, no, you could not; you are not strong 
enough. I can walk still — see, we will hurry. 
I cannot be left here — I am so afraid noio. 
Why will I be so foolish? I was not at all 
frightened last night.” 

You cannot run now, Nina, and while we 
can run fast, we feel safe. I know I do. 
Poor little ankle, if I could only bind it up. 
Let me try, Nina.” 

She sat down and thrust out her little foot. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


129 


clad in a lialf-slioe, tied with scarlet ribbons, 
now limp and wet with dew. Lawrence 
exclaimed, when he saw the ankle, — 

Nina, you cannot walk another step with 
that foot. What shall I do? Wait! ” 

They had reached the cross-roads and the 
spring, and Lawrence took off his neckerchief 
and, dipping it in the cool water, bound it 
about her ankle carefully. As he did so, Nina 
unwound a blue and white kerchief from her 
own neck, and tied it about Lawrence’s 
throat, saying, with a smile, — 

You have already lost your hat. If you 
give up your neckerchief you must take this 
of mine. The blue is the color of your eyes, 
if I could only see them.” 

And Lawrence felt rewarded at the light 
touch of her fingers. Then he threw his arm 
firmly about her, and they set forth again. 
But before they had gone far, Nina released 
her hold on Lawrence, and sank against him, 
crying, with a sob, — • 

It’s no use, Lawrence ; I cannot go another 


130 


AT THE SIGN OF 


ste20, and oli ! I cannot let you leave me. 
What shall I do ? what shall I do ? ” 

And once more Lawrence heard the horn 
of the stage sounding through the streets of 
Benton. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


131 


CHAPTER XIII. 

For some time Lawrence did not speak. 
They were on the open highway now, and 
Nina had sunk down on the grass by the road- 
side, as silent as her companion. He stood 
very erect, looking straight ahead of him, try- 
ing not to betray his impatience and perplex- 
ity in this last extremity. He could not, and 
would not, leave the girl, who had braved 
so much for him, to struggle home as best she 
could ; but how hard it seemed to be free 
once more to act, yet be in bondage as secure 
as the old stone cellar, as far as taking advan- 
tage of his freedom ! Nina looked up at him 
pitifully. 

Go on, Lawrence ; go on without me. 
I — I shall not mind being alone, and by and 
by I shall manage to get home.” 

I do not mean you shall go back to Dr. 
Graddee’s to-night, Nina,” he returned, with a 


132 


AT THE SIGN OF 


manly assumption of authority that would 
have amused Nina at another time ; you 
must go to my mother, and let her care for 
that ankle. No, I shall not leave you, Nina. 
Everything seems working against me. I 
shall give it all up.” 

He tried to speak cheerfully, but it was 
such an evident effort that Nina said, — 

But your cousin, Larry — you cannot leave 
her to that villain Purnell. You must go.” 

Alice will take care of herself. It is not as 
if she was not an independent, quick-spirited 
girl. It is only that I hate to have her fooled 
by that — never mind, Nina, it is better to 
care for the helpless, and perhaps, after all, 
Alice will obey my word in the note.” 

You wrote to her, then ? ” 

Just a few lines,” replied Lawrence, not 
caring to discuss this subject. They were 
silent again for some time, when down the 
road came the steady, creaking rattle of a 
vehicle. Lawrence heard it first. 

Nina, some one is going to drive by us on 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


133 


the way to town. They will not refuse us a 
lift. Can you stand up a little while ? ” He 
helped her to her feet when the vehicle came 
in sight, proving to be no other than the re- 
doubtable Jerry Hide and his donkey, Jennie, 
returning home after a peddling expedition. 
Lawrence’s heart sank a little as he saw who 
it was. It seemed as if every piece of mis- 
chief he had ever perpetrated was rising to 
confound him in his hour of anxiety. 

^^Nina,” he said hurriedly, ^‘^you speak to 
him, and I’ll keep in your shadow. He 
knows me and might refuse me.” 

So Nina limped to the road and hailed 
old Jerry, and Jennie being prevailed upon to 
suspend action, the Irishman peered into the 
dusk to discover a lovely, pale young woman, 
begging a ride to town for herself and — her 
brother. Nina brought out the little fib hesi- 
tatingly. 

To be shure,” said Jerry, gallantly ; it’s 
not mesilf that would refuse a leddy that same 
favour. And who is your brither, mem ? ” 


134 


AT THE SIGN OF 


We are both belated/’ said Nina, evading 
this question, as she was carefully assisted to 
the front seat by Jerry, and in a hurry to 
reach town. It is so kind of you to — ” but 
Nina never finished her pleasant sentence. 
In the dusk Jerry’s sharp old eyes caught 
sight of Larry, and the difference in his shoul- 
ders betrayed him at once. 

An’ is it desaving me you are, ye little 
bright-eyed hussy ? If that ain’t Widow Ca- 
rother’s crooked son. I’ll niver belave me eyes, 
and he has niver a sister, bad luck to him ! an’ 
he rides in no cart o’ mine.” 

“ Oh ! I say, Jerry, let us forgive each other, 
and I’ll pay you for every cabbage, as I did 
before ; indeed I will. This young lady is 
hurt, and I want to take her to mother ; let us 
both ride, Jerry, please.” 

But Jerry was delighted to have Lawrence 
eating humble-pie, and it made him happy to 
be disobliging, and he went right on with his 
meandering and railing, with one foot on the 
hub of the wheel. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


135 


Niver, Mr. Larry, niver, will I belave you 
agin, and you a-swatelieartin’ and goin’ wid 
the gells, and hatchin’ your diviltry, wid that 
crooked figure of yourn, and a-making witches’ 
marks on everything ye — ” 

But Jerry got no further, for the reference 
to his affliction fired Lawrence to one of the 
last bold pieces of mischief recorded of him in 
this tale. He gave the old man a quick spin 
that sent him off of his balance and rolling 
in the grass, yelling with fright and wrath ; 
then Lawrence sprang to the place by Nina, 
and Jennie, already startled by what had 
occurred, for once resolved to follow her first 
impulse, and took them spinning away from 
her enraged master, not needing the whip Law- 
rence, knowing her peculiar disposition, hesi- 
tated to apply. In less time than it takes to 
tell it, they were at Mrs. Carothers’ cottage, 
and Larry lifted Nina from the cart, half cry- 
ing, half laughing ; for the rapid motion and 
Lawrence’s quick action had struck her as 
very comical^ and touched the balance where 


136 


AT THE SIGN OF 


excitement and pain bring laughter. As for 
Jennie, she stood exhausted and amazed at 
her own behaviour, and was never known to 
repeat the performance. Mrs. Carothers looked 
amazed as her son bore Nina into her cottage, 
and she exclaimed at his appearance, as she 
flung her arms about him, demanding where 
he had been, and almost crying in her joy at 
his return. 

Mother, I cannot stop noio to tell you, but 
oh ! it is good to see you, and know I have 
not broken your heart ” ; and Larry hugged 
her close to him, pushing her cap awry, and 
kissing her like a young tornado. Nina will 
tell you part of it, enough for you to know 
just now. This is Dr. Graddee’s niece, mother, 
and her ankle is sprained. I must be off to 
the Swan. Is Denmark all right, mother ? ” 

Yes ; Alec Bloomfield brought him home, 
and he wouldn’t tell me where you were, and 
he seemed so ashamed ; and oh ! Lawrence, 
what I have suffered in anxiety. You shall 
not go out again to-night,” and she stood be- 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


137 


tween him and the door, love and reproach in 
her gentle eyes. Lawrence put her aside 
gently, and with a glance at Nina, said, — 

Tell her why I must go, Nina. Mother, 
Nina is suffering ; I am well and am here 
safe, — and, mother, have you seen Alice to- 
day?” 

No ; she was here last night. She has gone 
to Conway to-night by the last stage. She 
and Edwin met here last night, and they quar- 
relled in spite of all I could say. She accused 
Edwin of writing a note to her, — said it was 
an impertinence, — and of course both were 
foolish and angry, and — but my son, you had 
nothing to do with this ? don’t tell me you 
have made mischief — ” for the mother read 
too well the consciousness in Lawrence’s eyes. 

I have no time to tell you now. I must 
see Ned, and we must save Alice. Mother — 
do not detain me,” and tearing himself from 
her grasp, he ran to the stable, where Den- 
mark whinnied with delight at the approach 
of the familiar footstep. He flung the saddle 


138 


AT THE SIGN OF 


across the horse’s back, buckle and strap flew 
into its place, and but a few moments passed be- 
fore horse and master with equal impatience 
were covering the distance to the White Swan, 
He had little hope of catching the stage, but 
he knew he could find Edwin, and if necessary 
both would follow, and be at hand to frustrate 
any designs of the crafty Purnell. 

The first person he encountered was Tom 
Cobb, who stared apace at seeing the boy. 
Lawrence sprang from his horse and with a 
nonchalance he did not feel, inquired how 
long the stage had been gone. 

Nigh on to an hour or more,” replied 
Cobb, eyeing him with lurking admiration. 

Where did you come from, youngster ?” 

No matter,” said Lawrence, shortly, and 
once more mounted, and was riding to Edwin 
Leigh’s door, when he met that youth on his 
steed, a fleet bay mare. Lawrence hailed 
him, and without a word their hands met in 
a mighty grasp of forgiveness and friend- 
ship. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


139 


Ned, we have no time to spare ; we must 
follow the stage.” 

I know it. Doesn’t my whole life depend 
upon it?” cried Edwin. 

Know it ! how did you know it ? who told 
you ? ” demanded Lawrence, in surprise at his 
tone of confidence. 

Do I need to be told when I have been on 
their track for months ? The packet of money 
sent, and purposely marked, has gone the way 
of the rest, and Bill Parnell has passed some 
of the coins in town. The bag was baited 
to-night, and I mean to follow and catch them 
in the act.” 

Bat Alice — ” cried LawTence, who had 
twice tried to check Edwin’s flow of words. 

Alice ! what of Alice ? ” said Edwin, ab- 
ruptly, and growing red. 

I thought you knew.” 

I know she went to Conway by the stage. 
What of it ? ” asked Edwin, sharply. 

She went to-night,” said Lawrence, 
wheeling Denmark about rapidly. Then, 


140 


AT THE SIGN OF 


Ned, if you love her, we’ve got to ride 
for it.” 

^^Tom Cobb won’t harm the stage. His 
game is to ride as far as Snyders’ and return 
with one mail-bag. I mean to catch him 
then, and — ” 

And let Purnell run away with Alice 
later?” 

Good heavens ! what do you mean ? ” 

If you were not as dull as lead, you would 
have seen it long ago. I tried to tell you be- 
fore. Bill Purnell has planned a raid on the 
stage, to frighten Alice, and make her accept 
his protection. That’s what I mean. We 
must catch the stage and detain Alice at 
Snyders’. Come ! ” 

Not a word replied Edwin, but, turning 
with Lawrence, they sped away together, 
Edwin wholly regardless of the two friends 
who were to have joined him in the chase 
after Tom Cobb, and who, after waiting at 
the rendezvous, dispersed in disgust. 

It was now nearly ten o’clock, and the 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


141 


night was a dark one. The coach had two 
hours’ start of them, and had six horses, and 
a driver that knew the road thoroughly and 
did not spare the whip. The coach was due at 
Snyders’, where horses were changed, at half- 
past eleven, and had either of the impatient 
youths paused to consider, they would have 
reasoned that T5m Cobb intended no trip 
after the stage-coach that night, or he would 
have been off. But even had this occurred to 
Lawrence, it would have confirmed him in 
his fears for Alice’s safety, for it left the field 
all the more open for Purnell’s plot. Edwin 
thought of little else than Alice. Why ! they 
had been sweethearts from the time they tod- 
dled over the grass together, hunting dande- 
lions. She had been dear to him through 
all their school-days, and only recently his 
more ardently expressed admiration for her 
had led to misunderstandings and childish 
quarrels. Edwin groaned as he remembered 
her last words to him, and urged his good 
mare to a faster gait. The horses were 


142 


AT THE SIGN OP 


already doing nobly. They seemed to feel 
in every fibre the urgent need for haste. 
Denmark, more fresh and blithe now than 
his young master, appeared to skim the earth, 
and fatigue seemed to drop away from Law- 
rence as a garment as he sped along in the 
cool darkness. 

Excitement, however, is * always a strong 
stimulant, and the rapid motion only served 
to keep the nervous tension strained to the 
utmost. Through the streets of the little 
towns they clattered, waking the echoes and 
causing more than one nightcapped head to 
be thrust forth from chamber windows. Once 
or twice they were delayed by the toll-gates, 
whose careful masters had lowered their poles 
across the way. In places where less care 
had been taken they ran past the toll-house, 
and no wrathful custodian could catch them, 
shake his fist as he would. The roads were 
in good condition, only as they began to climb 
the mountain, both drew in their horses, for 
they knew they must garner their strength if 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


143 


they expected it to last. How much further 
they must ride they could not tell ; for if they 
missed the stage at Snyders’, both knew that 
they had resolved to follow it still further, 
unto the very end, if need be, to protect 
sweet Alice Fremont. As they slackened 
speed, Lawrence told Edwin hurriedly some 
of his adventures of the day and night before, 
not omitting his share of mischievous tricks. 
No comment was made by Edwin, for which 
Larry felt very thankful, and both were riding 
in silence, when Edwin raised himself a little 
in his stirrups, and said, — 

Listen ! ” 

On the still air they heard the beat of 
horses’ hoofs just ahead of them. 

The coach ! ” cried Lawrence, eagerly. 

No ! there is no rumble of vehicle. It 
must be Purnell.” 

Eagerly now they pushed forward, not spar- 
ing the horses, and Edwin’s breath coming 
quick and fierce, as they saw that the horse- 
men just ahead of them, three in number, were 


144 


AT THE SIGN OF 


no other than the would-be Dr.” William 
Purnell and bis associates. 

^^We have them now,” he said in a low 
tone to Lawrence ; they cannot Teach Sny- 
ders’ before we do, even if Gorman waits for 
him, the rascal ! To think of the double face 
of that man makes me long to strangle him.” 

I say, Ned, are you armed ? You know I 
have not a weapon — never had but an old 
shot-gun — ” 

I will remember that, and for God’s sake 
be prudent. None of your reckless pranks. 
I couldn’t look your mother in the face if 
anything happened to you through me.” 

“ I promise, Ned.” 

And — if — if — I go back feet first, Larry, 
tell Alice my last thoughts were of her, and 
that she should discover who wrote that note 
she attributed to me.” 

^^Yes,” said poor Lawrence, drooping his 
head in shame, for he had not confessed that 
deed of his yet. There was no time for more 
than these hurried sentences and hard riding, 


THE WHITE SWA^^. 


145 


keeping tlie party ahead well in sight. Once 
they were surprised to see Purnell’s party 
pause, as if consulting. Then suddenly two 
of the party rode back. Edwin and Lawrence 
kept in the shadow, but they felt they were 
recognised as quickly as they in turn identi- 
fied Bill Purnell and one of his favourite 
chums. Lawrence’s horse was so well known, 
and Lawrence’s peculiar mode of riding. 

In a few moments all were riding on again, 
Lawrence holding Denmark in check, to pre- 
vent overtaking the party in front. And now 
» 

the lights at Snyders’ came in sight. The 
stage was in the yard, the horses still reeking 
with steam from the last long climb up the 
mountain. Somewhat to Edwin’s surprise 
Purnell’s party rode boldly into the yard. 
Lawrence and Edwin followed, at Edwin’s 
suggestion, riding quietly up on the far side 
of the coach. 

Lawrence sat quaking in his saddle; for 
now that the moment had come, he dreaded 
what was to follow, having been through 


146 


AT THE SIGN OF 


quite enough to daunt older and braver hearts 
than his. 

Edwin sprang to the ground, throwing his 
rein to Lawrence, when they heard Purnell 
say in a tone of brusque authority, — 

Alice, are you there ? ” 

Yes, Bill, here I am ! ” was the reply, in 
a clear voice, from the coach. And then 
Lawrence slid from Denmark’s back, and 
stood leaning against him, faint from sheer 
surprise and dismay, while Edwin started 
forward with a low exclamation of anger. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


147 


CHAPTER XIV. 

Lawrence heard Edwin's exclamation, and 
knew he was thirsting to encounter Purnell. 
He watched anxiously as Edwin strode around 
the stage and stood at Purnell’s side. Purnell 
gave a start when he saw who it was, stepped 
back a little, then an ugly smile spread over 
his sallow face. 

The first to alight from the coach was evi- 
dently the deaf old gentleman Cobb had 
alluded to. He got down very slowly and 
went into the tavern. Then Purnell leaned 
in the door, and said in a tone of caressing 
fondness, — 

Alice, my darling, will you not refresh 
yourself by a slight promenade before we con- 
tinue the journey ? ” 

In reply, a hand was laid in his, and a 
slight, pretty figure, closely veiled, sprang to 


148 


AT THE SIGN OF 


the ground, and taking his arm, murmured 
in a hurried and low tone, — 

^^0 Will, I am afraid I shall be rec- 
ognised ! 

Stop ! ” cried Edwin, quite beside himself 
with disappointment and anger. “ Alice 
Tremont, I do recognise you, and in the mem- 
ory of our old friendship I beg you to tell 
me if you willingly accept this man’s atten- 
tions.” 

The girl shrank close to Purnell at Edwin’s 
tone. 

“ Come, come ! none of that here, young 
man,” said Purnell. When you can speak 
to this lady properly, it is — ” 

Hold your tongue ! I did not speak to 
you. Alice, I entreat you — ” 

But Purnell, preferring to omit an encounter 
with Edwin, since he knew already the strength 
of his arm, albeit he still wore the left arm 
in a sling from Purnell’s own handiwork, drew 
his companion hurriedly toward the tavern, 
and they disappeared from view. 




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THE WHITE SWAN. 


151 


Edwin stood a moment gazing after them. 
Then he came to where Lawrence awaited 
him, and for a moment he stood leaning 
against his panting mare. 

It is all over,” he said hoarsely; but I am 
going to stay here and see it out. The sight 
will help me bear her falseness — and I must 
see to believe. He has followed her with her 
consent. We are the fools.” 

It is a lie ! ” cried Lawrence, too angry to 
know what he said. I will go bring her here 
— she shall not do — ” He was off his horse, 
making toward the tavern when Edwin seized 
him. 

What would you do, you idiot ? Go back 
to town at once to your mother, and stay 
there.” 

And you, Ned ? ” 

I have still work to do he replied. 

Do as I bid you, or never be friend of mine 
again.” 

Startled and awestruck by the stern, white 
face above him, Lawrence slowly remounted 


152 


AT THE SIGN OF 


and rode away. Once he stopped, straining 
his eyes to look back, and saw that Edwin 
passed into the tavern. Then Larry put his 
arms about Denmark’s neck, bowing his head 
against the horse’s mane, and tears would 
have been a welcome relief to the sorrow that 
seemed to cast an iron band about his heart, — 
the deep sorrow for his friend, for he believed 
he should never see him alive again. 

And now, although this is not by any means 
a story that relates the fortunes of Edwin 
Leigh, we must leave Lawrence to his lonely 
ride home, and follow young Edwin as he 
entered the tavern. Edwin knew that if Alice 
Tremont went willingly with Purnell, it meant 
life or death to him. Young men in those 
days were hot-headed, and, moreover, Edwin 
was writhing in the knowledge that after his 
quarrel with Alice the evening before, had 
followed a complete reconciliation, and that 
Alice had promised him more than ever before, 
and this meeting with Purnell meant the ruth- 
less breaking of every vow. He hardly knew 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


153 


what he intended to do, but he went into the 
quaint little parlour of the tavern, where a 
wood fire smouldered on the hearth. There 
was no light, save the fire-glow in the room, 
and he saw that the young girl was standing 
alone with her back to him, looking down 
into the embers. He was about to go forward 
and speak to her, when Purnell entered by 
the opposite door. Edwin stood silent and 
unobserved, watching them. He could scarcely 
trust his own sight in the gloom of the room. 
The whole scheme seemed so bold and ap- 
palling. 

Purnell walked up to the girl, with a scowl. 

You little fool,” he said, in a loud tone, 
you nearly spoiled the whole thing by an- 
swering so shrilly. Why didn’t she come ? ” 

I don’t know ; indeed I don’t know. 
Bill,” said the girl ; but she sent word at 
the last moment. I couldn’t let you know 
in time.” 

Well, you can go on now, and joy go with 
you. We fooled Leigh nicely, and we will 


154 


AT THE SIGN OF 


have better luck next time. When does she 
cross to Conway ? ” 

I don’t know, Bill.” 

“ You simpleton ! you have but one answer. 
Stay here until I see if Gorman has the mail- 
bags. I may as well play Tom Cobb, since 
we won’t make anything else this deal.” So 
saying he left the room. 

Edwin strode forward and stood by the girl, 
who gave a slight scream as she saw him. 
He laid his hand on her arm. 

Alice Purnell ! ” he said, in a voice that 
could not conceal a ring of joy. I thought 
you were a friend of Miss Tremont’s. Why 
have you tried to deceive me?” 

She turned to him, trembling. 

I was afraid of Bill. He rode up to the 
coach and told me to do it. Don’t tell him, 
oh, don’t tell him, or he will make me suffer 
for it.” 

^^You need not fear me. Only j)romise me 
not to let him know I discovered the trick. 
You pretended to be Alice’s friend and would 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


165 


have betrayed her. Keep silence now, if you 
care for her at all.” 

“ I do, oh, I do ! ” cried the girl, fervently. 
“ If you tell Alice this, tell her also that it 
was my fear of Bill made me do it. I never 
wanted to injure her.” 

She was almost crying, poor girl, her face 
pale and drawn with fear and the dread of 
Purnell’s sudden return. It was only mercy 
to leave her, and Edwin did so, passing out 
into the night with the lightest heart that 
ever bounded in the bosom of man. How 
foolish, how worse than foolish, had been his 
doubt of his Alice ! He would always be 
ashamed to tell her of this adventure. 
Everything was put out of his head, save the 
thought of her, and his suspicious folly. To 
the search for the mail-robbers, and the exon- 
eration of his father’s honour, Edwin was for 
the time oblivious. He was as heedless as 
the rattle-pated Lawrence would have been, as 
thinking only of Alice, he strode to where he 
had left his beautiful mare. Suddenly he 


156 


AT THE SIGN OF 


stopped, peering anxiously into the darkness 
up and down the long h itching-rail. His 
mare was gone, and the strap that tethered 
her had been cut with a knife. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


157 


CHAPTER XV. 

Meanwhile Lawrence rode slowly down 
the mountain, and as he drew near home,- 
the weariness of the last few days and nights 
pressed heavily upon him. Denmark, for the 
first time in years, had no desire to press for- 
ward. He drooped like his young master, 
for the hard ride of two hours had tested 
even his strong limbs. As they came down 
to the more level roads, and Denmark jogged 
along at a most comfortable gait, Larry felt 
himself growing more drowsy every moment. 
It was now well on toward one o’clock, and 
after dropping asleep twice, to be roused by 
nearly tumbling off of Denmark’s back, Law- 
rence decided to do what he had often done 
before, in the free, roving life he loved. He 
brought Denmark to a low part of a hedge, 
growing on a cornfield, and horse and rider 
vaulted over into the field, where the corn 


158 


AT THE SIGN OF 


was stacked ready to be left for the winter. 
Then tethering the horse, Lawrence laid 
down under the shelter of a corn-stack, and 
like Little Boy Blue, was soon fast asleep. 
And this time no hateful dreams disturbed 
his slumber. He slept like the dead, nor 
woke until the sun shone full on his face, 
and Denmark, having broken his tether, was 
nibbling at his yellow hair, as a gentle inti- 
mation that he was hungry and thought it 
time to go home. 

‘‘To be sure, old fellow,” said Lawrence, 
sitting up and yawning. “ I am hungry 
myself, but I feel better than I did.” 

Then he suddenly remembered where he 
had left Edwin and Alice, and grew sober. 
But he arose, and went across the meadow to 
a pure little spring he knew was there, and 
after bathing his hands and face, the old 
enemies to grief and care, youth and refresh- 
ment, bade him hope for the best, and he 
mounted Denmark cheerily for the last hour 
of his ride home. His road now lay through 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


159 


sloping farm lands, and the morning sun- 
light shone blithely, as he sped along, Den- 
mark being in haste for his breakfast and 
highly disapproving of all this loitering by 
the way. And in fact, as was afterward 
proved, Lawrence could hardly have done 
anything more imprudent than have re- 
mained on the road that night, instead of 
being where a boy should be, — under his 
mother’s roof. The arm of the law in those 
days. was a slow-moving machine, but it was 
making ready its unwieldy weight to descend 
upon this youth, in a manner he little ex- 
pected, and perhaps little deserved. I leave 
those who have followed his fortunes to judge 
of that. The spires and white houses of 
Benton were a welcome sight to the boy, and 
he was contemplating skirting the main 
streets, — since he felt his personal appearance 
was not all it should be — when he saw Tom 
Cobb lounging along the roadside, and it 
incited him to ride boldly past him, and take 
his way up the thoroughfare, as if he was on 


160 


AT THE SIGN OF 


dress parade. He held his head proudly, the 
red tassel of the cap he had snatched up the 
night before to replace his lost hat showing 
bright against his yellow hair in the sun- 
light. Neither horse nor rider showed that 
they had suffered a moment’s dejection or 
fatigue. Tom Cobb grinned from ear to ear. 

Plucky, by Jove 1 ” he said, under his 
breath; the pluckiest little devil” — Cobb 
was not choice of pet names — the pluckiest 
little devil in Benton,” and then he strode 
rapidly after the horse and his master, until 
the road branched off, to go to the house of 
the sheriff. 

But Lawrence had only gotten to the door 
of the White Swan, which he proposed to 
pass hurriedly, when his eyes fell upon the 
pretty form of Alice Tremont, tripping along 
the street, looking as fresh as a new-blown 
rose. Lawrence stopped, his mouth as wide 
open as his eyes, in surprise. He sprang 
from his horse, and was at her side in a 
moment. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


161 


Alice ! how came you here ? ” he cried. 

Where should I be, I should like to 
know,” she replied a little indignantly, for 
his rough touch on her arm had startled her. 

And you had a great deal better have been 
home, too. — Oh, you miserable, mischievous 
boy ! your mother has been worried to death 
about you. And how you do look^ Larry ! 
I’d be ashamed to be seen in such a plight — 
fie ! ” 

Come, Alice,” said Lawrence, who knew 
the shrewish end of Alice’s tongue better 
than its gentler tones, if I — no matter — 
it is too long a story to tell you now. But 
when did you come home ? Tell me at once. 
Where did you leave Ned ? and if your pretty 
fooling has not cost him his life, you can 
thank your stars. You do well to cry fie on 
me ! ” 

Lawrence was indignant now, and he drew 
himself to his height and looked quite judi- 
cial. As to Alice, she grew red and then 
white at Lawrence’s words, and cried, — 


162 


AT THE SIGN OF 


What are you talking about ? I have 
not seen Ned since Wednesday night.’’ 

Be careful ! ” said Lawrence. Where 
were you at ten o’clock last night? When 
did you last see Purnell ? ” 

At that name Alice’s eyes fairly blazed 
with^ anger, and she gave Lawrence a sound- 
ing box on the ear, as she exclaimed, Take 
that, you meddlesome rogue, and if you ever 
talk to me again this way, I shall have Ned 
thrash you soundly ! ” And she would have 
passed on quickly, leaving Lawrence, dazed 
and angry at her quick blow, had not Mr. 
Leigh, Edwin’s father, come toward them at 
that moment, looking pale and anxious. Alice 
naturally paused as she saw him approach, 
perhaps a little ashamed of her display of 
temper. But Mr. Leigh did not appear to 
have noticed what had passed. He turned 
hurriedly to Lawrence, laying a heavy hand 
on his shoulder. 

Do you know anything of Ned ? ” he 
asked ; speak, tell me quickly ! ” 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


163 


left him at Snyders’ last night,” 
returned Lawrence, now too frightened to 
try and conceal aught ; why, why do you 
ask ? did he and Purnell fight ? ” 

You left him at Snyders’ ? you were 
with him ? why did he go there ? Answer 
me truthfully, Larry, as you love your life,” 
cried the father, shaking the boy in his agita- 
tion. Even then Lawrence resented the slur 
cast upon his honour. He shook his slioulders 
free before replying, — 

I’ve never lied but once, to save myself 
or any one else. I rode to Snyders’ with 
Ned last night. We went to try and save 
Alice, who was going to Conway, and whom 
Bill Purnell was determined to annoy. Alice 
went willingly with Purnell — I saw her — I 
don’t know how she comes — ” 

Lawrence Carothers, you are lying now. 
I have never left this town a moment. Mr. 
Leigh, what is it about Ned? You know 
something — he is hurt? Oh! tell me, tell 
me 1 ” 


164 


AT THE SIGN OP 


The pretty girl clasped her hands about 
Mr. Leigh’s arm imploringly. 

Ned’s mare came home last night — 
jaded and riderless, her shoulder bleeding 
from a pistol-shot, and utterly ruined. Ned, 
my boy, has met with foul play, and if you, 
Larry Carothers, know anything of the mat- 
ter, for God’s sake, speak out ! ” 

It is Purnell, the villain ! Oh ! why did 
I ever leave Ned — Alice, Alice, why don’t 
you speak up like a woman ? Tell your story. 
She knows, she hioios, where Ned is ! She 
must know.” 

Lawrence laid his hand imploringly now 
on Alice’s arm, and the girl, fairly bewildered 
by his persistency, said confusedly, — 

^‘Indeed, I know nothing, save that Ned 
left me Wednesday night, well and strong — 
and — very happy. I did not go to Conway, 
for Will Mercer came from my aunt last 
night with word that postponed my visit. 
I am speaking the truth, Lawrence, as I live, 
and as I’ve promised Ned to marry him ! ” 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


165 


and then she burst into tears. Mr. Leigh 
turned upon Lawrence, sternly. 

It is you who must answer me now. 
You have bullied a woman long enough, and 
led my son into too many dangers to rescue 
you, to have me other than doubt you — ” 

Exactly ! ” said a cool, well-known voice 
behind them, cheerfully ; lay it on to him, 
father ; he deserves all he gets.” 

Alice gave a cry of delight, and despite the 
publicity, almost ran into Edwin’s arTns, as 
he stood, having just dismounted from a bony 
steed that seemed as ready to stand still as 
to move. Lawrence fell upon Edwin on the 
other side, and Mr. Leigh grasped his son’s 
hand, with a great sigh of relief. 

Where were you ? ” 

0 Ned ! tell them I was never out of 
Benton ! ” 

How did you get here ? ” 

The exclamatory questions were all in one 
breath, and Edwin had just gently suggested 
that a better place than the public road might 


166 


AT THE SIGN OF 


be found for answering them, when Tom 
Cobb was seen approaching them, accom- 
panied by Dr. Graddee and the sheriff. At 
the sight, Edwin squared his shoulders, and 
looked antagonistic ; but the sheriff only laid a 
hand on Lawrence’s shoulder, saying quietly, — 
Youngster, I have a warrant for your 
arrest, on two charges.” 

“Arrest!” cried Edwin and his father 
together, Edwin involuntarily laying his 
hand on Lawrence also. 

“Yes, — I arrest him on the first charge, 
of trespassing, with others, on Dr. Graddee’s 
premises. The second charge is a more seri- 
ous one.” 

At this, Lawrence suddenly raised his head, 
for he had drooped at the first charge, knowing 
it to be a true one. Now he found voice to say 
in a tone half-defiant, yet wholly confident, — 

“ Of what else does the Doctor accuse me?” 

“ Of robbing the United States mails 1 ” 
returned the sheriff, coolly. “ You see, Mr. 
Leigh, we have finally found the thief.” 







THE WHITE SWAN. 


169 


CHAPTER XVI. 

When Lawrence heard the sheriff’s words, 
and saw Dr. Graddee’s cold, resolute face, the 
memory of his hideous dream came upon 
him, blanching his cheek, and making him 
tremble in every limb. For a moment there 
was a silence, that seemed to Larry to last an 
hour, and several people, noticing the sheriff 
and small group, gathered about to see what 
was going forward. As Edwin would have 
spoken, Lawrence suddenly found his voice 
again. He looked at his friend imploringly, 
and cried, — 

Ned ! Ned ! you do not believe it ? ” 

No, no ! ” came the quick reply. I 
would as soon they accused me,” and then 
before them all, Larry sprang to his friend, 
seizing his hand, with almost a sob of relief. 
To find at least this ugly part of his vision 
untrue restored him somewhat; and then 


170 


AT THE SIGN OF 


Alice, too, threw her arms about him and 
said so prettily and haughtily to Dr. Graddee 
and the sheriff, — 

You have still to prove your words, and 
until you do, my cousin is 7iot a thief.” 

Let him be searched at once, and I can 
prove that he has the evidence of his guilt 
about his person now,” said Dr. Graddee, 
coldly ; bring him to the Swan, and he will 
soon reveal his own villainy. He is deep for 
his age, but crafty. I confess we have had 
him confined once, in order to deliver him to 
justice, but he escaped us.” 

So this, then, was their plot, in placing 
him in the old cellar. Confused, and with 
his head now growing dizzy from faintness, 
Lawrence was pushed toward the Swan, Mr. 
Leigh and Edwin following, Alice clinging to 
Edwin’s arm, and refusing to go away until 
she heard more. It seemed to the poor lad 
that every one in town had gathered now, 
as in his dream, to witness his downfall, and 
as there seemed a sea of faces about him, so 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


171 


to his own sickened fancy they all wore a 
look of condemnation. A strange feeling 
overcame him, that there was no use strug- 
gling longer. He was fairly caught in the 
toils of these men. Once in the large room 
at the Swan, Lawrence saw his old friend 
McKenna pressing eagerly forward, and 
Anthony Martin, looking not a little anxious 
at the unusual disturbance in his qvuet inn. 
Then, while Lawrence stood drooping and 
helpless in the hands of these men, his white 
face and great eyes not seeking even the 
faces of his friends, the sheriff and his as- 
sistant searched him, and brought forward 
a bunch of skeleton keys, and the knitted 
purse of Alice’s handiwork containing the 
money Lawrence had found so mysteriously 
in his pocket. He stood staring stupidly 
at them as the Doctor held them up in 
triumph, and Edwin, on examining the coins, 
gave a low exclamation of dismay, and 
turned to his father. Then he came close to 
Lawrence, 


172 


AT THE SIGN OF 


‘‘ Larry, for God’s sake, tell me where you 
got this money. Tell me quickly. Much 
depends on it ! ” 

I do not know,” said Lawrence, dully, 
and trying to make Edwin and the room 
stop revolving. They were there — I — I — 
found them.” 

Ah ! you see,” said Dr. Graddee, eagerly 
as Edwin turned away in disappointment ; 

perhaps you found these also,” holding the 
keys ; but they appear to be keys applied to 
locks already provided with the articles.” 

What keys are they, Mr. Leigh ? ” 

“ They are duplicate keys to the mail-bags,” 
said Mr. Leigh, sadly, looking them over. 

0 Lawrence, Lawrence ! this will almost 
kill your mother.” 

Lawrence grasped at a table standing 
near, to steady himself. The very words 
of his dream! Was it possible he would 
wake once more to find it all a hateful 
delusion ? 

“^‘Ned, — ” he began faintly, but at that 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


173 


moment Dr. Graddee suddenly espied the 
handkerchief that Nina had tied about Law- 
rence’s neck, the little white and blue ker- 
chief she had put there with her own hands ; 
and the Doctor snatched it, and holding it 
up, cried, — 

Why, the scamp has even stolen this from 
my niece, who was moved to pity and de- 
fended him ! ” 

He got no further ; for with the sudden 
rush of angry blood from Lawrence’s heart 
came strength, and snatching a glass from 
the table at his hand, Lawrence whirled it 
full in the Doctor’s face, smashing it to atoms, 
and sending the Doctor crashing back against 
Tom Cobb, with a bleeding nose and other- 
wise disfigured countenance. 

Catch him ! hold him ! don’t let him 
escape ! ” cried the Doctor, sputtering, and 
beside himself with pain. A rush was made 
toward the unruly prisoner, when Edwin 
waved them back, saying, as he pointed to 
the floor, — 


174 


AT THE SIGN OF 


I have caught him. My friends, the poor 
lad will hardly get away ! ’’ 

For prone upon the floor, his white face 
upward, lay Lawrence Carothers, in a death- 
like swoon. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


175 


CHAPTER XVIL 

It was Tom Cobb who lifted Lawrence from 
the floor, and held him in his arms, until they 
could get him to an old horse-hair sofa that 
stood in a remote corner of the room, and 
Tom Cobb wore a look of the deepest concern 
as he bent over him. Every one else com- 
pletely lost their wits, save Edwin, who used 
authority, self-assumed, to clear the room, 
forcing Dr. Graddee, with his bleeding nose, 
into the hall with no gentle hand, and send- 
ing a small, gaping boy post-haste for another 
physician. Alice was weeping, and chafing 
Lawrence’s hands, imploring him to speak to 
her, and Tom Cobb called for brandy and 
water and several other remedies, until Mc- 
Kenna, who would not desert the boy he 
loved, and had withstood Edwin’s mandate, 
was so confused, that he caught up a vinegar- 
cruet in place of a decanter, and when some- 


176 


AT THE SIGN OF 


one suggested burnt feathers, he set fire to a 
whole feather brush, thereby nearly causing a 
serious conflagration, and incurring Anthony 
Martin’s everlasting wrath. 

But just as the doctor arrived, Lawrence 
opened his eyes, and seeing only Tom Cobb’s 
face bent over him anxiously, closed them 
again with a shudder. 

Take heart, little chap,” whispered Cobb; 
don’t flunk out now, when you’ve been so 
brave. I’ll stand by ye.” 

But Lawrence was past any consolation of 
this kind, for he had lapsed once more into 
unconsciousness. 

This time the brandy and water were 
forced down his throat, and he roused more 
effectually to the taste of the liquor and 
much the same choking sensation he had 
experienced before, and to his dying day 
hated the smell or taste of Bourbon and 
Cognac. And now McKenna, suddenly strik- 
ing the truth, in applying his one panacea to 
all earthly ills, cried, — 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


177 


The boy is hungry ; he is starving ; I am 
sure of it.” 

And Lawrence, hearing his old friend’s 
voice, gave a feeble smile, and nodded assent. 
Away sped McKenna, and returned with a 
tray upon which he had placed a hearty 
breakfast. Larry, however, disappointed him ; 
for leaning against Alice, he only contrived 
to swallow a little coffee, and would have 
slipped down onto the sofa again, had not 
the sheriff and Dr. Graddee at this moment 
returned, the latter having stanched his 
bleeding member, and the sheriff being 
armed with a pair of clumsy handcuffs. 

This sight and the coffee served to brace 
Lawrence for a last encounter, and he tried 
to sit up, with a gesture of protest. But 
there was a dull, strange look in the 
boy’s eyes, that made Edwin watch him 
closely. 

I will go without tliose^' he said, point- 
ing to the handcuffs ; don’t put them on, 
'please f ” 


178 


AT THE SIGN OF 


Do not venture to listen to him, Mr. 
Gray; he is a dangerous character,” said Dr. 
Graddee, keeping at safe distance. 

Lawrence sent a glance of scorn toward 
the Doctor, then silently permitted the sheriff 
to place the handcuffs upon his wrists. 

You — you — will tell mother, Alice,” he 
said, and then hung his head, as if there was 
nothing more to say. 

Lawrence ! ” Edwin came close to him, 
and made the lad look him in the face. Tell 
me again, you have not been implicated in 
this plan to rob the mails. You have always 
been so frank and true I am willing to 
believe you, no matter how dark the case 
seems against you. I know you knew a 
great deal about the matter, before you went 
to Graddee’s house that night. Lawrence, 
can’t you speak ? Who is really guilty ?” 

Lawrence shook his head vaguely, tried to 
put his hand to his forehead, but finding 
them bound, dropped them wearily, looking 
away from Edwin. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


179 


I — I — don’t know ! ” he said, in a low 
tone ; I cannot romernber anything ^ 

A quick look of relief shot over Graddee’s 
face, and Tom Cobb said quickly, — 

Let the boy alone. It is time the sher- 
iff was doing his work. He is ready. Gray, 
to board on the town for awhile. Come ! trot, 
youngster ! ” 

And between the sheriff and Tom Cobb 
Lawrence went to the small jail, passing 
through the streets, with a strangely passive 
face. When they got him there, it was not 
long before he was brought before the judge 
for a few preliminary questions. 

His replies were vague, and often ended 
in, — 

I do not know. I do not remember.” 

Finally he was angrily reprimanded, and 
sent back to the little cell, where he sat on 
the iron bedstead, and gazed at the small bit 
of blue sky that he could see through the 
grated window, and felt his mind an utter 
blank. 


180 


AT THE SIGN OF 


Before Edwin went to Lawrence’s mother 
he had an interview with the one man in the 
town whom he thought might assist the poor 
widow in this sad emergency ; for while Edwin 
felt Dr. Graddee and Purnell were the insti- 
gators of the system of mail robbery, he 
greatly feared they had contrived to shield 
their implications in the scheme by putting 
the theft upon the tools they had used. Edwin 
could not yet prove before a jury the declara- 
tion he made to Lawrence the night before, 
that Purnell had passed some of the coins his 
father had placed in the mail-bag, through 
instructions from the authorities at Washing- 
ton. But Edwin knew that Lawrence had 
appeared eager to discover the thieves, and 
had sympathised with him in his suspicions, 
and Edwin could not believe the lad capable 
of such deep duplicity as to be merely feigning 
an interest. 

To his surprise, however, Judge Ewing, the 
old friend of Lawrence’s father, refused to 
raise bail or interfere in the matter. He 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


181 


was brusque, and gave Edwin the impression 
that he had given the son of his old friend 
over to the devil the last time he had helped 
straighten out a snarl of mischief of Law- 
rence’s contriving. So Edwin had to let the 
poor widow learn the strange story of her 
son’s guilt, and go to him at the jail with no 
hope of raising the large sum stated as bail. 

For a moment the poor mother faltered; 
then the same glance awoke in her eyes that 
had shone in Lawrence’s when Dr. Graddee 
accused him of falsehood. 

My son is innocent,” she said firmly, and 
tied on her bonnet with hands that trembled 
only slightly, and went to Lawrence. 

He started up on seeing her, smiling, and 
with a joyous exclamation. 

Oh ! I am so glad you came,” he said. 

My son, my dear son, what does it all 
mean ? Tell me you can prove your inno- 
cence.” 

Then you do not think I did it ? ” he 
asked, a perplexed look coming over his face. 


182 


AT THE SIGN OF 


Lawrence ! how can you ask me ? In all 
else of mischief and trouble you have caused; 
you have always been honest and truthful. 
Do not tell me you have fallen so low as to be 
a thief.” 

The colour crept into Lawrence’s face, and 
he bit his lip and turned away. Then he 
said; still with his face turned away, — 

Mother, I cannot tell you anything. 
Something seemed to snap in my head this 
morning when Dr. Graddee said that which 
made me angry, and since then I cannot 
remember anything. Oh! mother, mother ! ” 
suddenly seizing her hands, and hiding his 
face on her shoulder, ‘‘‘cant you help me? 
What have I done ? I cannot remember any- 
thing, but that I struck Dr. Graddee. My 
head is all wrong — all wrong.” 

And with despair creeping over her, Mrs. 
Carothers was forced to acknowledge this 
strange state of affairs. In vain she strove to 
recall his having brought Nina home the 
night before. He remembered Nina, but 







THE WHITE SWAN. 


185 


failed to connect her with any one save his 
mother, and that she had given him a ker- 
chief. Finally, seeing that she only distressed 
him, by rousing him to a full sense of the 
accusations brought against him, Mrs. Caro- 
thers left him, to hasten to her own physician, 
and beg his advice. 

Left to himself, Lawrence could not return to 
the dazed condition in which his mother had 
found him. Her words had aroused in him a 
realising sense of his position, and the vague 
passive impression that all this had happened 
to him before, and was inevitable, began to 
wear off a little. All day he struggled with 
his dulled senses, and was at last so weary that, 
as it grew dark, he laid down on the narrow 
bed, and was soon in a light slumber. 

He was awakened by a lantern flashed in 
his face ; and he sat up quickly, to see Tom 
Cobb standing over him. 

Hist, lad ! ” he said, in a whisper, as Law- 
rence would have spoken ; speak low, but sit 
up. I want to talk to you.” 


186 


AT THE SIGN OF 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

Lawrence sat up and gazed at Tom Cobb 
in surprise. Even in the gloom of the cell, 
dimly illuminated by Cobb’s lantern, Lawrence 
could see that Cobb presented a much smarter 
appearance than was his wont, and his usual 
scowl was replaced by a more genial expres- 
sion, which he emphasised at this moment by 
a slow, pleasant wink. Then he placed the 
lantern on the floor, and revealed himself 
arrayed in all the glory he was capable of dis- 
persing about his ample person. He wore a 
new suit of light cloth and red top-boots ; an 
immaculate stock held his huge throat in dig- 
nified stiffness, and his hat was so stylish that 
it did not require the angle at which Tom 
thought fit to place it to give it the air of 
ease and grace necessary to so distinguished 
a person. There was even a fob with a bunch 
of seals dangling from his waistcoat, and the 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


187 


latter was so resplendent with flowers that it 
suggested Mr. Cobb’s having literally enjoyed 
rosy beds of ease.” 

Cobb looked at Lawrence some time before 
he spoke ; then he said jauntily, — 

How do you like the rig ? ” 

‘^You look very fine,” said Lawrence, 
slowly rubbing his eyes, and smiling a little. 
What do you want of me ? ” 

Want to talk to you. But tell me first, 
— you’re a likely lad, — is it kalkelated to 
catch the female eye ? ” and here Cobb 
winked again and nudged Lawrence. 

I don’t know,” returned Lawrence, a 
little crossly. I never tried to catch their 
eyes. Girls are not in my way.” 

Cobb sighed. 

^^Well, it didn’t, and that’s all there is 
about it. She just cried, and looked away.” 

Who are you talking about ? ” demanded 
Lawrence, now wide awake, and not a little 
ill-humoured. 

Nina, the little black-eyed wench at Dr. 


188 


AT THE SIGN OF 


Graddee’s. — Oh, here ! don’t toss about like 
that, youngster; this ain’t your own crib, 
remember ! Sit up and shake hands. I want 
to thank you for that deed o’ yourn this 
morning.” Cobb spoke softly now, and he 
shut the cell door carefully. 

What did I do ? ” asked Lawrence, lying 
wearily back on the one liard pillow. 

^^You gave a miserable sneak the best blow 
he ever got in his life. Oh ! I tell you, Larry 
Carothers, you’ll make a captain, you will ! ” 

Did you come to tell me that ? ” asked 
Lawrence. “I don’t know what I did it with, 
— or how you can come here and talk to me. 
You had me arrested.” 

That’s it,” said Cobb, cheerfully. You 
stated the case quite clear like. It’s why I’m 
here. Graddee ain’t a-goin’ to let you serve a 
term, if we two kin help it. We ain’t as 
mean as you’d think. You know that money 
we found on ye ? ” 

Come, Tom Cobb. What are you trying 
to do ? If you and Graddee stole the money 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


189 


and I didn’t, why can’t I say so, and let you 
take the blame ? ” 

Because you ain’t got the proof. You’ve 
grit — true grit — right through, but you can’t 
prove a thing against Graddee. He is that 
sly no one can catch him. No one will 
believe you unless you can tell how you got 
that money.” 

Lawrence started a little and stirred 
uneasily. 

Come, now,” said Cobb, coaxingly, 
‘‘where did ye get it?” 

“I told the truth when I said I found it 
in my pocket. I cannot remember how it 
came there.” 

“ And who’ll believe that, I’d like to know. 
Money don’t grow in pockets, — no more in 
yours than mine.” 

Lawrence groaned, and something in the 
sound seemed to move Cobb, for he touched 
one of the lad’s hands that hung over the 
side of the bed, and said, — 

“Don’t! now don’t ye mind so much as 


190 


AT THE SIGN OF 


that. It was a natural thing to want a little 
money.” 

But I did not take it. I never stole 
money in my life. I’ve stolen melons, and 
I’ve done no end of mischief and been a bad 
lot — but I never was a thief. Oh ! why 
can’t I remember about that money ! Curse 
the luck ! ” 

Tut — tut — s — hush ! ” quoth Cobb, as 
the boy flung himself from the bed to pace 
the little cell, uttering the first harsh words 
of impatience to which he had given voice 
all day. You mustn’t do that! a boy like 
you cussing like that, I’m ashamed o’ you ! ” 
and Cobb grinned all over his ugly face, but 
with so little malice that Lawrence paused, 
looking at him perplexedly. Tom Cobb in 
the character of Mentor was rather a strange 
phenomenon. 

“ What do you want here ? Why have 
you come to torment me ? I am in trouble 
enough already.” 

You don’t seem right glad to see me. I 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


191 


thought you would be lonely/' said Cobb, still 
smiling. 

I am not. I wish you would get out of 
here.” 

That ain’t perlite.” 

I am not trying to be.” 

^^Well, just try to be perlite for a little 
while.” 

Are you going ? because if you are not, I 
shall call Morris, and he shall put you out.” 

See here, you young fire-eater, I ain’t a 
goin’ until I get ready. You can’t put me 
out, and you wouldn’t be mean enough to set 
that whipper-snapper Morris on me. Sit 
down, and hear what I’ve got to say.” 

Say it quickly then, please,” said Lawrence, 
reverting to politeness as a means of hasten- 
ing him. 

Now that is proper,” said Cobb, approv- 
ingly. Sit down here, and I’ll take the 
floor. It ain’t soft, but this here jail ain’t 
oversupplied with furnitur’.” 

So saying, he made Lawrence take the only 


192 


AT THE SIGN OF 


chair, and placed the lantern so it shone full 
on the boy’s face, while his own remained in 
shadow. 

Now here is the thing talked over. Grad- 
dee says, says he, ^ That boy is young, and 
though he ain’t behaved over well to me, still 
I don’t want to harm him' There is lots of 
reasons why he doesn’t want this here thing 
brought to the courts. It would make talk, 
you know, even if there is no truth in them 
stories about the Doctor. Of course you know 
there is no truth in ’em, don’t you ? ” 

Lawrence’s hand went up to his head nerv- 
ously, and Cobb leaned eagerly forward to 
watch the impression his words had made. 

Well, ter go on. Now they’ve fixed the 
thing on to you, everybody knows ye must 
have had help. No boy like yoz/ . could have 
done it alone. Now you and Ned Leigh was 
up on the mountain last night together — ” 
Lawrence gave a little cry, and rubbed his 
eyes as if just awakening again. 

Steady, boy, steady,” said Cobb j weren’t 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


193 


you on the mountain half the night? and 
didn’t you sleep in the meader to the far side 
of Crawford gully until mornin’ ? ” 

Yes/’ said Lawrence, wonderingly, but 
— how came I there ?” 

Eh ? that’s for you to answer. Think^ boy ; 
think for yourself — because when the bag was 
rifled last night and a packet of money stolen 
after the stage left Benton, it’s only fair to ~ 
suspect them that was missing in the town.” 

It was astonishing how glibly Cobb could 
talk at times, making a clear statement, save 
for numerous grammatical errors. 

“ Do you mean I must have robbed the mail- 
bag ? or Ned Leigh must have done it ? ” 

Who else ? You had the keys in your 
pocket, and the money.” 

True, the money was there, but I — lohy 
can I not think it out ? , I know I was with 
Ned, but — but we didn’t go after money,” 
cried Lawrence, groping vaguely after the 
incidents remaining dimly shadowed on his 
memory. 


194 


AT THE SIGN OF 


Now, see here, no higli-strikes nor non- 
sense. Listen to plain talk. You can't prove 
your innocence nohow, and with such a tur- 
nip for a head you cannot even get Ned 
Leigh into the business with you. You will be 
sent up to the Penitentiary for ten or twenty 
years for this little trick. How old are 
you?” 

‘^Sixteen — seventeen next New Year’s 
Day.” 

Well, you will be about thirty-five or forty 
when you get out. ^Now I want you to listen, 
closed Cobb paused, then bent forward, and 
said in a gusty whisper, — 

Don’t wait for any trial. Skip ! ” 
Lawrence only looked at him, hardly com- 
prehending his words. 

Escape, I say. Thafs what I come fur. 
You don’t stand a show to clearin’ yourself. 
I’ve got the go-by of the jail, and I’ll see ye 
out. Graddee wants you to go. Scoot, when 
you’re once out, and on that black horse of 
yourn, you’ll soon reach the river in no time. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


195 


Nobody will know until you’re well under 
way. AYliat do you say, eli ? ” 

“You mean you will help me get away?” 
asked Lawrence, breathlessly. 

“ S — hush ! yes. That’s what I’m here 
fur. It’s your great chance. Think of being 
shut up for twenty years. You’ve got such 
pluck, and I’ll cover your tracks. I don’t 
believe any of them could catch you. Will 
you do it ? ” 

Lawrence dropped his face in his hands, 
and sat in deep thought. It all seemed feasi- 
ble enough, with this great ugly power for 
evil offering him all the assistance he needed. 
And oh ! to escape the awful fate of living 
twenty years of his blithe young life behind 
stone walls. As Cobb had said, he could do 
nothing against the array of evidence brought 
to bear upon him. His head felt queer and 
numb when he endeavoured to recall the events 
of the last few days. A longing was upon 
him to be out in the open air, to feel the wind 
against his cheek, the quick movement of 


196 


AT THE SIGN OF 


Denmark beneath him, the freedom and 
delight of action. To be shut off from this 
would be a living death. 

“ Oh ! ” he cried, lifting his face. I will 
do anything you say, only get me away from 
here. I cannot go to prison ! ” 

Tom Cobb did not move. He sat in the 
shadow, and watched the boy, with a strange 
light in his eyes. Lawrence, getting no reply, 
heard a voice, small and still, within him, cry 
out in protest. Should he run away, and thus 
confirm his guilt ? Would that not be deserting 
the mother and friends who still trusted him ? 
IIoio could he decide, when he could hardly 
think connectedly on any subject ? Suddenly 
there came back to him, mistily, another mo- 
ment of trouble — where had it occurred ? — 
and certain words uttered by a boy in distress. 
A half-murmured prayer and promise, — 
‘^Dear Father in heaven — I am not good 
— but I am sorry, very sorry. Let me go 
back to mother, and I’ll try — again ! ” 

The words fell like balm upon his troubled 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


197 


mind. Some one had said them, and running 
away from this trouble now confronting him 
would not be trying again. For should he be 
punished for what he had not done, at least he 
was not a coward ; he could bear it. But should 
his mother think him guilty! — He looked up 
at Tom Cobb, and sighed as he said, — 

I will not run away. I did not do this 
thing ; and if no one else believes me innocent, 
my mother believes me — and — and God in 
heaven ! ” 

His voice broke then, and there was a 
pause. Then Tom Cobb reached out from the 
shadow, and solemnly shook Lawrence’s hand. 

But he made no motion to depart. He said 
after a while, softly, — 

It’s a way mothers have. They loill be- 
lieve in you. My mother believed in me.” 

This sounded so odd coming from great 
ugly Tom Cobb, that Lawrence almost smiled, 
in spite of his heavy heart. 

She wanted me to be a minister, and I 
wouldn’t please her that way. It wasn’t in 


198 


AT THE SIGN OF 


my line, and I thought she’d break her heart, 
when I became a — ah ! what I am.” 

What do you call yourself, anyway ? ” said 
Lawrence, trying in vain to get a square 
glance at the man, who kept the lantern be- 
tween himself and the lad. 

Well, I suppose you might call me a coun- 
try gentleman; I’ve been in these parts nigh 
onto three months or more, and I ain’t exactly 
Dr. Graddee’s servant.” 

I should call you his friend,” said Law- 
rence, with a little emphatic scorn, and giving 
the lantern a sly push with his foot. To his 
surprise, he saw Cobb’s face was placid as a 
summer day, and his eyes had a kindly glow, 
as he sat gazing musingly at the lantern. 

Yes ! my mother believed in me, and 
she trusted me. When I was a lad about 
your age, I did about the meanest thing a 
boy ever did.” 

What was it ? ” asked Lawrence, wishing 
Cobb would depart, yet interested in spite of 
himself. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


199 


I took some money she had given me, 
and I ran away to sea.” 

Lawrence made no comment. 

I shipped before the mast, and had the 
roughest voyage a boy ever experienced. I 
tell you what, land lubbers don’t know nothin’ 
about high seas. Every night I thought we 
were going to Davy Jones’ locker. One 
night we thought it was all over with us, and 
maybe I didn’t pray to get back to my old 
mother ! ” 

‘‘ You prayed ! ” cried Lawrence. 

Yes, I did ! and I cried tears enough to 
swell the ocean, and I wasn’t a coward or 
cry-baby either. Why, I just bawled when 
I thought I shouldn’t ever see my mother 
leanin’ over me, and kissin’ me good-night — 
or even scolding me in her old way. Why ! 
I’d a jumped Jim Crow, just to hear her 
say, ^ You Tom Cobb, what are you up to 

(h j >) 

noio f 

I know, I know ! ” cried Lawrence, sym- 
pathisingly. 


200 


AT THE SIGN OF 


“ Well, you see we did get ashore again, 
and there I was, with only a little money left, 
and hundreds o’ miles between me and my 
dear old mammy.” 

What did you do ? Did you ever see her 
again ?” 

I’ll tell you what I did, youngster: I 
shipped on the next schooner bound for home. 
Then I worked like a dog, till I got just as 
much money as I’d stole, and then I sneaked 
back to the mother I’d stole it from, and 
she — ” 

Tom Cobb paused. 

^^Oh! she wasn’t dead?” said Lawrence, 
now eagerly interested. 

No ; she just put her arms about my neck, 
and said, says she, ^ Never mind the money, 
Tom. I’m so glad you’re home again.’ 
Mothers are like t/iaf. But there ain’t none 
of us thinks enough of ’em to keep ^ood for 
’em.” 

I know it,” said Lawrence, despondingly. 

And if you go to the Penitentiary, there 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


201 


won’t be any goin’ home and sayin’ you’re 
sorry.” 

I wish you wouldn’t harp on that. Some 
of them will believe me.” 

“ They won’t if you don’t get on a better 
thinking-cap than you have now. Where 
were you Hallowe’en, — answer me that ? ” 
Cobb demanded this so abruptly that Law- 
rence was as quick to reply, — 

Why — why — I was in Dr. Graddee’s 
yard, and got caught there by the dog ! ” 

You young scoundrel ! have you been 
deceivin’ me all this time, and makin’ believe 
you cannot remember,” cried Cobb, rising 
and coming to stand nearer the boy, with a 
threatening gesture. 

No, no ! do you think I wouldn’t have 
remembered if I could. It is coming back — 
yes — I climbed a balcony — and — and — 
help me, help me, can’t you ! ” Lawrence 
stamped his foot in a fury at his slow-moving 
thoughts. 

Who did that f ” asked Cobb, touching 


202 


AT THE SIGN OF 


his forehead where the welts still showed red 
on the white skin. 

Dr. Graddee, he struck me, and Nina — 
it’s all coining back ! ” cried Lawrence, clasp- 
ing his hands over his eyes. Oh ! what 
made me forget for a moment — the getting 
drunk, the old cellar! Why! Nina found me 
— it was because I bound her ankle with my 
neckerchief that she gave me — oh ! mother, 
mother — now you’ll knoio I told the truth ! ” 
And Lawrence burst into tears, and 
ashamed of his weakness, hid his face on the 
hard pillow, sobs shaking him from head to 
foot. Cobb waited until he had quieted, then 
he went to the bed and said in a gruff tone, — 

Sit up.” 

Lawrence obeyed. 

Now see here. You are a minor, and 
moreover imprisoned by Dr. Graddee’s warrant. 
I’m Dr. Graddee’s friend, as you say, and I 
want to deal fairly by you both. I want you 
to do as I tell you. Are you ready to listen ? ” 
Lawrence nodded. Cobb then bent over 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


203 


him and said in a whisper that which sent 
the colour flying to Lawrence’s face. 

You are not deceiving me ? ” he cried. 

Do you want me to swear to my identity. 
If so, I will swear it is true, as I love my 
mother. That story was true, lad, every 
word on it. Will you do as I wish ?” 

‘‘ With all my heart ! ” 

Two hours later Mrs. Carothers came to 
the jail with Dr. Aldine, whose services she 
had failed to procure all day, owing to his 
absence from town. As they went down the 
corridor of the jail, she asked of the warden 
if he had seen Lawrence recently. 

He has had company, ma’am,” returned 
the warden. 

Then he threw open the door of the cell, 
and called Lawrence. There was no reply. 

Mrs. Carothers stepped into the cell quickly. 

Lawrence,” she said ; Lawrence, my son.” 

The warden flashed his candle swiftly about 
the cell. 


204 


AT THE SIGN OF 


By Jiminy ! ” he exclaimed, sitting down 
on the bed so suddenly that the candle was 
extinguished, leaving them in utter darkness. 
But they had had time to perceive that the 
cell was without its young prisoner. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


205 


CHAPTER XIX. 

While poor Mrs. Caro thers fell back aghast 
at the escape of her son, and the confirmation 
of his guilt it seemed to convey to her old 
friend and physician, Lawrence, in a small 
room, back of the kitchen of the White Swan, 
was regaling himself with a savoury supper. 
Tom Cobb sat opposite him, watching him 
make way with the viands, a smile on his 
ugly countenance so foreign to his usual scowl, 
that McKenna, already overwhelmed by what 
had been told him, seemed convinced he was 
entertaining an angel unawares. 

He set before them all the cheer the 
larder afforded, assured that this was the 
only proper way to treat heavenly visitants. 
And he was all the more nimble in his min- 
istrations that he knew his guests were his 
in the secrecy of friendship. Had Anthony 
Martin known who was feasting in the outer 


206 


AT THE SIGN OF 


kitchen, he would have made short work of 
the long-suffering faithful blunder-head^ Mc- 
Kenna. 

Now, listen,” said Cobb, leaning his elbows 
on the table, as Lawrence finished the last 
mouthful and leaned back in his chair, his 
vigour renewed by the hearty meal. I want 
you to know me all through. I was sent 
here, three months ago, by my chief. Detective 
Duffy, to find out who stole the mails. I 
ain’t denyin’ I am a new hand at it, and 
slow. I’m not much of a rogue myself, and 
you knows the sayin’, Larry — ^ Set a thief 
to catch one.’ But I see pretty clear that it 
was some one uncommon sly that did it. I 
was a long time gettin’ the Doctor to trust 
me as a confederate, and just as I was on to 
his game, he and Purnell would give me a 
twist, and I was all up a stump again. Then 
you had to put in your meddlesome business, 
and Purnell fell in love with that sassy little 
Tremont wench, and ’twixt ye all I was done 
up. But I got ’em now, and to-morrow night 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


207 


Mr. Duffy comes, and I just want to gain a 
day’s time, fur Graddee’s hard driven now.” 

Why do you want me ? What can I do ? ” 
asked Lawrence, eagerly. 

. That’s the point,” said Cobb. Ye see 
you’re such a plucky one, I wanted to try ye 
first, and see if ye was willin’ to profit by Dr. 
Graddee’s proposal to have ye escape, and 
lead to pursuit, under cover of which they 
would make off. Graddee feels the wind 
blowin’ cold over his head, and fur two days 
he has been gettin’ ready to cut stick and run. 
I didn’t feel just too sure o’ you, and so I 
made ye the Doctor’s offer. Thought fur a 
minute ye was a-goin’ to try it, and I felt 
disappointed in ye, and thought ye might have 
taken some money or somethin’ that made 
ye feel shaky. But when ye came out about 
your mammy and God, I knew you was safe, 
bless you ! You see Graddee hasn’t got a 
cent. He speculated with all his own, and 
bet all that pretty Nina had, on a horse-race, 
and he is hard pushed for money. Now to- 


208 


AT THE SIGN OF 


morrow night the mail is a heavy one, and in 
it is money that has been put there as a trap. 
Graddee knows it’s cornin’, fur he opened the 
mails, and saw a letter that was writ to catch 
him, tellin’ about it. Do you follow me ? ” 

Yes — yes,” said Lawrence. 

Well, now Graddee and Purnell have 
made it between ’em, that Purnell is to go up 
to old Kit Mifflin’s with the bag and leave its 
contents there. That’s where I want to catch 

> j) 

em. 

Oh 1 then Graddee will meet Purnell 
later — I see; but what am I to do ? ” 

You know the way to old Kitty’s. Take 
me there to-night. Kit will take you in, and 
no one will look fur you there, but I’ll know 
the way yonder. Then you lie low at old 
Kit’s all day, and at night when I surprise 
Graddee and Purnell, you’ll be in at the fun 
and share the glory. By .Jove ! the idea of a 
chap like you arrested. Why, you’ve got grit 
enough to belong to us.” 

Oh ! come,” said Lawrence, looking down 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


209 


modestly. I am not half the fellow you 
think me. Why — I — I was a regular baby 
in that cellar ; and I’ve worried my mother’s 
heart out, and I was a perfect brute with 
Ned — ” 

No matter ; you’ll do fur me. All I want 
o’ you to-night is to show me the way to Kit’s 
hut on the mountain. And — I say — Larry 
— I’m that oncomfortable about Nina. Do 
you think — cast your eye keerful-like over 
me — that she’d look on me — as a husband?” 

At this Cobb drew himself up and dangled 
his watch-fob. 

Lawrence’s colour rose quickly and then he 
bit his lip to hide a smile, and behind the smile 
a sharp word. He was surprised to find how 
ill-natured Cobb’s presumption made him ; for 
surely Cobb’s position was entirely altered in 
the light of his revelation, and why should not 
Nina — pretty, dainty Nina — marry Tom 
Cobb ? Lawrence once more took refuge in 
ignorance. 

^^I don’t know anything about girls,” he 


210 


AT THE SIGN OF 


said; they are a queer lot, anyway. But,” 
he added, with an honest burst of enthusiasm, 

Nina is the prettiest girl I ever saw.” 

^^Just so,” said Cobb, sighing; ‘^but we 
must be off.” 

They let themselves quietly out the kitchen 
door, and left the yard by a short route known 
to few save McKenna, and in a few moments 
were at the spot where Cobb had left Den- 
mark and his own horse. Lawrence only 
stopped to give Denmark a hug of delight, 
and then he swung himself to the saddle and 
was soon speeding along the highway toward 
the hut on the mountain, occupied by Kitty 
Mifflin. 

Kitty was one of the characters of Fayette 
County. She was an old negress, exceedingly 
cross-grained, who lived alone in this moun- 
tain retreat, and had gained the repute of 
witchery and fortune-telling. Many people 
were afraid of her ; but during the summer 
months a number of damsels would often band 
together, and emboldened by a desire to know 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


211 


their future estate, would seek her to have 
their fortunes told. 

Lawrence with his gun and dog had often 
made a welcome for himself at the hut by 
dropping in for a gossip and closing his visit 
with some careless offering that, together with 
his handsome face, won the old woman’s affec- 
tion. 

Cobb left Lawrence a few feet from the 
hut. 

Remember, boy,” he said, no foolish 
pranks now.” 

I give you my word,” said Lawrence, 
earnestly. 

Kit was enraged at Lawrence’s visit at this 
late hour, and her retinue of cats spit fiercely at 
him as she finally admitted him. But on hear- 
ing as much of his trouble as Lawrence thought 
best to tell her, she was greatly mollified and 
incensed against them ’thority men,” as she 
termed the powers that ruled the assembly. 
Upon Lawrence asking a few questions, he 
learned that Purnell had been there that day. 


212 


AT THE SIGN OF 


but old Kit evidently only half understood 
his errand. 

She directed Lawrence to a stuffy loft 
over the hut, into which he climbed by a 
ladder. He found there a bed of straw, the 
better part of which was occupied by a cat 
with a litter of kittens. 

Lawrence, however, had been in too strange 
company to object to Mrs. Puss and her 
family, and quickly accommodating himself 
to circumstances, he lay down on the straw 
and fell to thinking over all he had heard 
from Cobb. He had some very solemn 
thoughts as he lay thus, looking through a 
chink of the roof at a star that looked down 
on him like a friendly eye. An owl perched 
on the ridge-pole kept him awake for some 
time, and as the low, weird cry came to him, 
accompanied by the steady snore of old Kit 
in the room beneath, Lawrence reviewed his 
whole short life critically and with unrelent- 
ing condemnation. He dealt truthfully with 
himself, — a thing too few lads ever seek to 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


213 


do, — and in his own estimation felt humbled 
and ashamed. If good was to come of all 
his adventures during the last few days, he 
knew it was not because his conduct had 
been blameless. In this frame of mind he 
fell asleep, to awaken a few hours later to 
the sound of voices in the room beneath. He 
thought he recognised one of the voices, and 
sat up, listening with a beating heart. Then 
he crawled to the opening of the loft and 
looked down cautiously. He was not mis- 
taken. Bill Purnell was talking to old Kit. 


214 


AT THE SIGN OF 


CHAPTER XX. 

Benton was in an uproar the following 
day when the escape of Lawrence Carothers 
from the county jail became noised abroad. 
The chief burgess, who wore a wig, was said 
to have put it on wrong side foremost, and 
worn it thus all day, in his excitement and 
chagrin. Men gathered in knots at the 
street corners to discuss it, and women left 
their churning and their children, to lean 
over the fence and talk it over with their 
neighbours, and look at it in all its possible 
phases. The jailer was in deep" disgrace, and 
sat quaking and dismayed at the storm raging 
about him. A watch was set upon him at 
once, as a suspicious character, probably con- 
spiring with the thieves. 

One or two old dames shook their heads, 
as they said they always knew Lawrence was 
a changeling, with that witch’s mark on his 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


215 


shoulder ; and that it was as likely as not that 
Lawrence had blown oil in smoke through 
the prison grating, and no one to blame in 
the least ! 

A posse of young men, among whom was 
Purnell, loud in his determination to recover 
the prisoner, searched the country far and 
wide, returning with jaded horses and dis- 
appointed visages. A crowd of men hung 
about the White Swan all day, where at noon 
was posted a bill describing Lawrence’s per- 
sonal appearance and offering a large reward 
for his capture. Tom Cobb walked about the 
streets with a nonchalant bearing, never far 
from the White Swan, and only talking when 
he could ridicule the government and deplore 
Lawrence’s escape. He did not go near the 
trembling jailer, who once or twice urged his 
guard to send for Tom Cobb. 

Dr. Graddee, urbane and dignified, ap- 
peared among the people about the inn, and 
moralised effectively upon the depravity of 
youth in the age in which he lived. 


216 


AT THE SIGN OF 


In fact, Benton bad not been in sucb a bub- 
bub in all its bistory, as was aroused by tbe 
escape of Lawrence Carotbers. 

Lawrence’s mother sat at borne and wept 
bitterly, Alice Treinont bearing ber com- 
pany in no less sad spirit. Edwin kept out 
of tbe way, looking sullen, and refusing to 
open his mouth when questioned by several 
leading townsmen. Even Judge Ewing got 
curt replies from the youth, and was sur- 
prised at bis defence of tbe culprit under tbe 
damaging proofs of bis guilt. 

Nina, at tbe Widow Carotbers’ advice, bad 
gone back to ber uncle tbe evening of ber 
return with Lawrence. Jerry Dide, after over- 
taking Jennie and tbe cart, bad been soothed 
and persuaded by tbe widow to leave tbe girl 
at tbe White Swan, for Mrs. Carotbers feared 
Lawrence would further incur Graddee’s 
wrath. But Nina bad been won by tbe sweet 
face of Lawrence’s mother, and on this day 
of excitement, after reading tbe proclamation 
with tears of indignation, she limped pain- 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


217 


fully to the cottage to say a comforting word 
to Lawrence’s mother. Here she heard the 
praise of Lawrence mingled with a history of 
his infancy and shortcomings, and she and 
Alice both added their quota of blame and 
praise as they listened. 

Late in the afternoon a rumour came to 
them that Lawrence had been captured, and 
the whole party were at the Swan. It did 
not take long for the women to make their 
way to the inn, despite Nina’s lameness. 
There they found a crowd of the townsfolk 
assembled, laughing, shouting, and jeering, 
and soon learned the cause. A party from 
the next township had seized and brought 
thither a lad, unknown in the town of Ben- 
ton, and claimed the reward offered for the 
capture of Lawrence. 

Three hearts gave a thankful throb, as they 
beheld the frightened lad, bound on the bony 
steed, in the yard of the inn. Alice per- 
suaded her trembling aunt to enter the inn 
and rest awhile, and Nina added her entrea- 


218 


AT THE SIGN OF 


ties that neither of them should leave her for 
a while. So they sat in the parlour of the inn, 
watching the group without. Dr. Graddee 
appeared presently, and with a dignified au- 
thority ordered the crowd to move on, and 
they gradually dispersed to gather on the 
street corners, and the three women had only 
their own sad faces to confront, or that bill 
that rose to blacken the character of the lad 
they loved. 

The shadows began to fall longer over the 
little town, and to lull its restlessness, when 
Mrs. Carothers said sadly to Alice that they 
must go home. She had hardly started to do 
so, however, when the afternoon stage, three 
hours late, rolled into the yard, and from it 
emerged a little fussy man, who set the house 
in such commotion that the women invol- 
untarily lingered to observe him. He gave 
orders right and left, sent for Edwin Leigh, 
frowned when he was not forthcoming. He 
stared so at Nina and Alice, that both girls 
shrank back abashed. Then he asked Nina’s 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


219 


name, and chucked her under the chin in a 
way that made the girl redden and draw her- 
self up resentfully. But at this moment, old 
Phebe came into the parlor at the inn, evi- 
dently in much perturbation. 

See hyar, honey, I’se got somethin’ to 
tell ye ! ” she said, motioning to Nina ener- 
getically. De Doctor’s gone — gone ofE 
clean, chipped and flewed like a last year’s 
chicken. He’s tuck eberyting ye had in yo’ 
black box, honey — eberyting.” 

“ Hush, hush, Phebe ! It cannot be possible.” 

What is that — what’s that ? ” called the 
short, fussy little man, bustling forward, 
eagerly. 

The servant spoke to me, sir,” said Nina, 
firmly ; this is no affair of yours.” 

Don’t know about that, you proud little 
wench; let the woman tell me. Who is 

9 ” 

gone I 

Dr. Graddee, sir ; he’s done gone this hour 
or more, and he’s got all de money and de 
gold oh this gal, too, fur suah ! ” 


220 


AT THE SIGN OF 


Never mind ; we’ll have him yet,” cried 
the little man, excitedly, when Tom Cobb fol- 
lowed by Edwin hurried into the room. Cobb 
did not speak, but Edwin exclaimed, — 

It is all up ! He has escaped us ; Larry 
is hurt or he would never — for Heaven’s sake, 
Alice, why didn’t you tell me?” for Edwin only 
caught Mrs. Carothers as she fell half fainting 
to the floor, hearing Lawrence’s name. 

Couldn’t you see she was here ? ” retorted 
Alice. “ What has happened ? What is the 
matter ? Where is Larry ? ” 

^‘We don’t know noio. He was on the 
mountain last night ; but Denmark has 
returned without him, and this dangling to 
his bridle.” 

Cobb, you great blundering ass, have you 
let this opportunity slip ? Speak, you fool,” 
cried the little man, purple with rage. 

Give me a chance,” cried Cobb, and 
snatched the ragged neckerchief from Edwin, 
thrusting it at Alice. Tell me quick, girl, 
what do you make out on that rag ? ” 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


221 


But it was Nina who seized the remnant of 
the little neckerchief she had put on Lawrence 
with her own hands ; and she saw written 
carefully, but faintly, in a scrawling, blotted 
way in some red fluid, these words, — 

^^Come to the Gully. Come quick. L. C.” 

It is from Larry,” she cried. Oh ! 
hurry, hurry ! He must be in danger. This 
is blood on this handkerchief — perhaps my 
uncle is there — he will have no mercy — oh ! 
the pretty boy ! — you will go, Mr. Cobb — 
you loill go at once ? ” 

In her excitement she clasped his arm 
imploringly. 

Don’t cry, lass ; don’t cry,” cried Cobb. 

I’ll fetch the lad back if I die doin’ of it, 
and we will dance on Graddee’s grave yet. 
That’s what I made out on that rag. Leigh, 
are you with me ? — no time to waste ! ” 

And Cobb rushed from the room followed 
by Edwin, while the poor women fell into 
each other’s arms, weeping bitterly. 


222 


AT THE SIGN OF 


CHAPTER XXI. 

Thus the three women were left to the 
task of womankind, yet ever the hardest to 
bear, of waiting and watching through the 
long hours of suspense. They remained for 
some time in the parlour of the White Swan. 
Nina was utterly forsaken, and had no real 
claim on the sympathy that moved Alice in 
the endeavour to soothe her aunt. Nina stood 
aside, and despair entered her young heart. 
What Phebe had said she felt must be true, 
and she could not bring herself to follow the 
old negress back to that part of the house 
that had sheltered her, but which she had 
never called home. In all the world, only 
the kind, honest face of the lad whom she 
had rescued seemed to be her friendly right 
to sympathy ; and he, alas ! might be in sore 
need of help and protection. 

The small, fat man had rushed after Tom 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


223 


Cobb and Edwin. But he soon returned, 
rubbing his hands and striving to encourage 
the women, listening somewhat eagerly to 
Mrs. Carothers’ meagre account of all she 
knew of Lawrence’s adventures. 

He insisted on their having supper ; but all 
refused, and Mrs. Carothers and Alice de- 
parted wearily, leaving Nina still crouching 
by the window, looking out onto the yard of 
the inn, empty now, save for a few loungers, 
who hung about the bill offering the reward, 
although it was too dark for any one to read 
those words that brought terror to the kneel- 
ing girl. 

Mr. Huffy, however, ordered his supper, 
and ate it, talking of national affairs with 
his mouth full, and showing no disposition to 
retire as the evening wore on. On the con- 
trary, he grew more restless, and paced often 
to the door. Old Anthony nodded in his 
chair as he listened to the little man’s jerky 
sentences. But suddenly a distinct cheer was 
heard, followed by the steady beat of horses’ 


224 


AT THE SIGN OF 


hoofs on the hard road. It grew nearer and 
nearer ; Nina, in the window, gave a quick 
start and sob of expectancy ; the little man 
ran to the door ; old Anthony awoke, and 
followed him, when suddenly McKenna, fol- 
lowed by two of his assistants, and wildly 
brandishing a gridiron in one hand and a 
towel in the other, broke through the hall, 
crying, — 

Have they got him ? have they got him ? ” 

All three fell over Anthony, and nearly 
tripping Mr. Duffy, precipitated the entire 
party into the yard, where torches were fling- 
ing a weird light over tlie wildest scene 
Benton had witnessed for many days. 

A group of horsemen filled the yard, and 
the peoj)le from the streets were gathering 
about them, cheering and gesticulating. On 
horseback, his face to the horse’s tail, his 
hands tied behind his back, sat Graddee. His 
hat was gone, and his usually placid face 
showed pale and frightened in the flickering 
light. Near him rode Purnell in like manner, 



THE CAPTURE OF DR. GRADDEE AXD PURNELL 





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THE WHITE SWAN. 


227 


while on Denmark, close at GraddeeV side, 
sat Tom Cobb, Lawrence Carothers in front 
of him, on the saddle. Edwin Leigh and 
several other of the youths who had been on 
the qiii vive all day were guarding Purnell, 
and shouting incoherently to the crowd and 
raising the excitement to a higher pitch every 
moment. 

Tom Cobb’s voice prevailed, however, as he 
threw up his hat, crying, — 

We have got the thieves, and Larry Ca- 
rothers is safe and innocent, and the pluckiest 
lad in F ayette County. Three cheers for Larry 
Carothers and the United States mail ! ” 

And a hearty roar went up from the people, 
led by McKenna, who flourished both gridiron 
and dish-towel, until the latter fell in all its 
damp exultation square in the face of old An- 
thony, and over the scene that ensued between 
McKenna and his master we prefer to draw 
a veil. 

Meanwhile Lawrence was once more on his 
feet, pushing through the crowd, seized first 


228 


AT THE SIGN OF 


by one friend, then another. Now it was Alec 
Bloomfield, then Silas Ginn and his old com- 
panions, all laughing, eager, and full of ques- 
tions. 

The excitement grew almost hysterical when 
Lawrence’s mother and Alice rushed into the 
crowd, and Larry was clasped in his mother’s 
arms, while her tears fell on his face, and his 
own voice shook as he said softly, — 

Thank God, dear mammy, thank God for 
me ! I never can thank Him enough.” 

The excitement was not quelled until Mr. 
Duffy made the formal arrest of Dr. Graddee 
and Purnell, and showed a warrant for the 
arrest, also, of the stage-driver, Gorman. Then 
as Cobb had hurriedly recited Lawrence’s last 
exploit to an admiring audience. Judge Ewing, 
who saw no end to the flattery and general 
exultation for the son of his old friend, came 
through the crowd, and kindly shaking Law- 
rence’s hand, said, — 

Go home, my boy, go home with your 
mother. It is time all good people went to 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


229 


bed. Your head is addled enough by all this, 
without any more foolish flattery.” 

I am going, sir,” said Lawrence, quickly, 
and something in the boy’s face made the 
Judge add, — 

Do not think I am unappreciative — ” 

It was just nothing, sir, nothing to do, 
and I wish they would not fuss about it. 
Besides — I broke jail, and I’ll have to an- 
swer for that. Good-night — come mother. 
Alice, where are you ? ” 

They were close at his elbow, and Edwin, 
his father, and Tom Cobb also, all indignant 
at Judge Ewing’s speech, and all, with excep- 
tion of Cobb, bent on following him home to 
hear the whole story. And hear it they did, 
that night, as Lawrence sat close at his 
mother’s side, that good lady being loath to 
have him out of reach a moment. 

The substance of his last effort to aid Tom 
Cobb was as follows : When he awoke to the 
sound of voices, in old Kit’s hut that night, 
Lawrence knew Kit must be in the habit of 


230 


AT THE SIGN OF 


receiving midnight visits from Parnell. When 
he crawled to the- loft, and looked down, he 
discovered the motive of these visits. 

Dr. Graddee, for all his shrewdness, was a 
very ignorant man. Indeed, as was proved 
during his trial, he could not write his own 
name. As usual, superstition accompanied 
this ignorance and was shared by Purnell. 
From time to time in their nefarious career, 
they had consulted old Kitty and the cards, 
and Kit had not made a bad speculation in 
her dealings with them. 

To-night, as he watched Kit and Purnell, 
thankful that he had been so careful in telling 
the old woman his story, Lawrence learned 
that owing to certain positions of the cards, 
Purnell’s plan of escape for himself and the 
Doctor was changed. Confident of suspicion 
being turned aside by the capture of Law- 
rence, they were at first bent on securing the 
mail-bag Cobb referred to, and dividing its 
contents at Kit’s hut. Now, the resolve was 
to meet, by a different route, in what was 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


231 


known as Crawford’s Gully, where Gorman 
would conveniently dispose of the mail-bag in 
their interests, and be able to take it up the 
next day, rifled of its moneyed contents, but 
otherwise but a day late. Meantime Purnell 
and Dr. Graddee would be getting farther 
and farther away. 

Lawrence heard the change of plan with 
dismay, and after Purnell had departed and 
Kit resumed her snoring, he laid awake until 
morning, trying to devise a way to get word to 
Cobb, and seeing no possible chance toward 
accomplishing his object. 

He finally, after getting all he could from 
Kit, who smoked her pipe all day and stub- 
bornly refused to talk much, decided it was 
useless to stay where he was. He did not 
dare venture back to Benton, for he felt they 
would put him in the jail ; and remembering 
how little they trusted his words before, and the 
horror of that odd bewilderment that had so 
dulled his senses, he resolved never to return 
again if Graddee and Purnell escaped. He 


232 


AT THE SIGN OF 


rode down to the Gully, bent on being on the 
spot, if no one else was there, to witness the 
rendezvous, and once there he sat brooding 
moodily upon the little faith placed in his 
word or his honour. What was the use of 
trying when everything and everybody was 
against him ? He never had been more than 
mischief-loving ; then why should people sus- 
pect him so cruelly ? 

At this point in his story his mother 
smoothed his hair back gently and pressed his 
hand, and Lawrence knew she had suffered as 
he had in those hours of suspicion. 

Suddenly it came to him as he sat thus that 
there was no trouble in the world that seemed 
so dark but one could make one’s way out of 
it. He was looking at Denmark, when a sud- 
den thought came like an inspiration. He 
tore the kerchief of blue and white Nina had 
given him from his neck, and taking the white 
part of it he made a pencil of a little twig of 
wood. He searched long before he could find 
a point delicate enough for his purpose, and 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


233 


sighed for his jackknife. Then he deliber- 
ately scratched his arm until a little blood 
came, and in this fluid he had scrawled the 
words conveying so much to Tom Cobb. 

I couldn’t be sure I made it plain,” said 
Lawrence, simply. And it hurt like the 
mischief to make the blood come, so 1 did not 
try very long. I had not the ghost of an idea 
you would ever get it ; but Denmark would 
go home if I sent him, and by that time I did 
not care vjliat happened. I was hungry and 
tired and — and — ” 

We know — we know, my dear,” said his 
mother, soothingly: 

Well, then I waited, and oh ! the day was 
so long, and I calculated the time it would 
take Denmark, and for you to find him at the 
stable. It must have been only half the day 
left when I sent him. The poor old fellow 
looked so reproachfully at me when I struck 
him with the whip to make him leave me. I 
shall never forget his faithfulness. Denmark 
believed in me, mother, and I never did a 


234 


AT THE SIGN OF 


harder task than when I struck him twice and 
saw him go down the road — alone.” 

Where did Cobb catch the rascals ?” asked 
Edwin’s father, after a little pause, during 
which Larry and his mother both winked hard 
and looked anywhere but at each other. 

Cobb and Ned, with the others, reached 
the Gully before Graddee and Purnell. It 
was quick work — I don’t know how they did 
it. We made a regular ambush. Corman 
had tossed the bag down into the Gully an 
hour before. We caught them opening the 
bag. Graddee showed fight, but Purnell just 
dropped like a shot duck, and never said a 
word. Oh ! it was an easy thing, the catch- 
ing them; but if Cobb had been late, — ” 

Let us not think of that,” interposed Ed- 
win, cheerfully ; but, Larry, have you ever 
been able to explain how that money came 
in your pocket, and the keys ? ” 

Yes ! ” said Lawrence, his colour rising; 

I was drunk ! ” 

Larry! ” appealingly, from his mother. 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


235 


is the only explanation I can give. 
Dr. Graddee gave me something to drink. 
He gave Nina some, too, but she did not drink 
hers. I remembered it all as clear as day, 
when I laid in the loft that night, and it did 
me no good. I was thirsty, and the stuff 
didn’t taste like wine. It was more like 
shrub, mother, and there was something 
white in the glass when I got through ; but 
I got sleepy right away, and I never woke 
again until I was in that cellar.” 

Why, he might have poisoned- you,” said 
Mrs. Carothers, shuddering. 

Edwin and his father exchanged glances, 
smiling. 

You were not drunk, lad,” said Mr. 
Leigh ; I hope you never will be. The Doc- 
tor gave you a strong narcotic, purposely. 
He is only a clever thief, and not a mur- 
derer.” 

Anyhow, I slept long enough to have 
been drunk three times.” 

Never mind ! but tell me, Larry, in the 


f 


236 


AT THE SIGN OF 


worst of it, what hurt you tlie most, and what 
did you think of first ? I have a curiosity to 
know whether it troubled you to be thought 
a thief like Graddee, or whether you resented 
the suspicion cast upon you. You acted so 
queer after you flew at Graddee so fiercely.” 

Don’t ask me, Ned, what I thought. For 
a time I lost my wits entirely. But when I 
was in the sorest distress, I had but one 
thought, and — and that was for my mother! ” 

And then Mrs. Carothers looked into lier 
son’s eyes, and was satisfied ; for she knew 
that not only was her son safe, but in his 
darkest hour of trial he had been true. 

Tom Cobb was called upon for quite a num- 
ber of explanations, before matters became 
quite clear to the town council. And a 
severe reprimand was administered, in that 
his desire to have Lawrence’s assistance and 
release had led him to bribing the menials of 
the law, corrupting the town government to 
the extent of buying off the jailer. Cobb 


THE tVHITE SWAN. 


237 


bore the rebuke meekly, and declared stoutly 
over his glass at the White Swan that night, 
that he’d do it again, whenever he met such 
a brave lad, to lend a hand. But it wasn’t 
likely he would meet one again, in a lifetime, 
more’s the pity ! ” 

Dr. Graddee was tried, and sentenced to 
ten years in the Penitentiary. Purnell and 
Gorman became witnesses for the government, 
and were released. Dr. Graddee having been 
the instigator of the theft, and having worked 
out every detail of the robbery. 

For many years Purnell wandered about, 
a miserable peddler of Dr. Graddee’s patent 
medicines, heartily despised by the whole 
county, while Gorman never was seen about 
the part of the country where he had betrayed 
the trust imposed on him by the government. 

In the trial it was discovered that Graddee 
owned nothing but the real estate in Benton, 
the White Swan, and the wing he had added 
for his own abode. Of Nina Burtell’s prop- 
erty, left to his guardianship, not a paper 


238 


AT THE SIGN OF 


could be found, but by the kindly interference 
of friends the small property in Benton was 
made good to the young girl, although it was 
many days before she realised even this small 
fortune. 

Tom Cobb came to Lawrence a few days 
after Graddee’s arrest, looking very crest- 
fallen. 

She won’t have me, Larry,” he sa,id dole- 
fully. She won’t even look on me as — a 
— brother — or — a — father. I’d like to see 
her comfortable. What is to become of her?” 

Lawrence knew whom he referred to, and 
he flushed a little. He had been overcome 
with shyness when he most wished to com- 
fort Nina, but he had said nothing to his 
mother of the girl. 

You mean Nina won’t marry you ? ” he 
said bluntly. 

Yes. I expect she’s right. I’m a blun- 
derin’ ass, as Dufly says. But I can’t bear 
to think on her so young and tender, and 
lonely. I was — young myself — once/’ said 


THE WHITE SWAN. 


239 


Cobb, wistfully, and she looks that sad and 
peaked ! ” 

Lawrence did not wait for more. With his 
usual impulsiveness he pushed Cobb aside and 
sped to the White Swan. Nina was still 
there, with old Aunt Phebe. Straight into 
the house went Lawrence, and surprised poor 
pretty Nina crying as if her heart would 
break. Lawrence did not like to see a woman 
cry. It cut him to the heart. He stood 
looking at her helplessly. Then he said, — 
Nina, don’t cry. I’ve come to take you 
home. You have no brother, and I no sister. 
Will you come with me ? ” 

Her sobs grew quieter, and presently she 
looked up, and seeing his kind, troubled face, 
she said, — 

Lawrence, do you really want me ? does 
your mother want me ? I will work for her, 
for you, until I die, if you will only love me, 
and take me home. But, do not take me be- 
cause — because — you you 

sure your mother will like me ?” 


240 AT THE SIGN OF THE WHITE SWAN. 

She cannot help it,” said Lawrence, 
bluntly, and I cannot do without you, be- 
cause if I have a sister, perhaps she can keep 
me straight. Won’t you try it, Nina? It 
will be hard work, I warn you.” 

Nina smiled faintly. 

Then I’ll go with you, Lawrence — oh, 
so gladly ! ” she said, and laid her little hand 
in his rough one, with a great sigh of relief. 

Lawrence, meeting Cobb a day or two later 
for a final farewell, said, — 

Nina Burtell is to live with us. You need 
not worry about her, Cobb. Mother is fond 
of her, and Nina decided to become my sister.” 

He spoke with a little pompous air of 
patronage that sat comically upon his boyish- 
ness. 

Mr. Cobb winked sagely. 


THE END. 


N.B. The main events in this story are all true. 
The robbery of the mails in Fayette County, Pennsyl- 
vania, by Dr. Brad^iee, can all be found in the history 
of the borough of Uniontown, and Fayette County, 
edited by Franklin Ellis. 

Some liberties have been taken with names and 
localities, and so forth, but the main incidents are his- 
torically correct. 

Kemnants of the White Swan are still standing in 
Uniontown, Pennsylvania, as well as the National 
Hotel, which was the scene of the Braddee exploits. 
The borrowed name was too poetical to be resisted, 
and is a license granted story-tellers as well as poets. 

241 









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